Carcinogen Spills Into Yellowstone River

A cancer-causing agent has been detected in the waters of the Yellowstone River after 50,000 gallons of oil leaked into it when a Montana pipeline burst. Officials from the CDC say levels of benzene, a component of oil that is also linked to cancer, is higher than is safe for human consumption. While they don't think it will cause a long-term health effect, the levels are high enough to pose a short-term health hazard for the 6,000 residents in Glendive, Montana governor Steve Bullock has declared a state of emergency and residents in nearby towns and cities have been told not to drink the water, which reportedly smelled like diesel. Officials said the cleanup will be difficult, as the Yellowstone River is partially frozen.