Staten Island is experiencing a sharp spike in cases of thyroid cancer, according to a report issued by New York State earlier this month. It found rates were 67 percent higher than the other four boroughs and 69 percent higher than the rest of the state.

But the report was less clear about what is causing the spike, leaving many residents frustrated with the health department's response.

"They felt like the state wasn't looking at Fresh Kills landfill which is going to be closed in 2021, not looking at warehouses in Port Richmond which stored uranium or Great Kills Park which has actually be closed for toxic exposure." said Politico New York's Amanda Eisenberg, who reported on the issue.

Eisenberg spoke with WNYC's Kerry Nolan. Click listen to hear the full conversation.