EPA Visits East Palestine to Investigate Train Derailment and Address Health and Environmental Concerns

The small town of East Palestine, Ohio is facing growing skepticism and anxiety as reports of rashes, headaches, nausea and other symptoms mount in the wake of a February 3 freight train derailment. The 151-car train was carrying toxic substances including vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate and isobutylene, all of which could have damaging effects to both humans and the environment.

In response to the incident, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sending its top official to East Palestine on Tuesday. The visit coincides with the opening of a health clinic in the town, which is designed to address residents’ health concerns related to the derailment.

Norfolk Southern, the railway company in charge of the train, said on Monday that thousands of pounds of soil and water have been removed from the crash site due to “substantial contamination.” The company is also working with the EPA to ensure that the hazardous materials are properly disposed of and that the environment is not further damaged.

The derailment has caused significant concern in East Palestine, and the EPA’s visit and the opening of the health clinic are seen as positive steps in addressing the health and environmental issues caused by the incident. The EPA and Norfolk Southern are continuing to work together to ensure that the town is safe and that the environment is protected.