Related to the train derailment in East Palestine, OH in February of 2023, our project looks at exposures of people living near the derailment and their environment (outdoor air, indoor air and drinking water).
Principal Investigators: Juliane I. Beier, PhD & Maureen Y. Lichtveld, MD, MPH
Project Title: East Palestine Community-Engaged Environmental Exposure, Health Data, and Biospecimen Bank
Project Number: 1R21ES036032-01
On February 3, 2023, a train carrying vinyl chloride (VC) and other chemicals derailed in East Palestine, OH. VC leaked into the air, soil, surface water, and groundwater, potentially impacting indoor air and drinking water. Although this is a chemical mixture-based spill, the major chemical of concern is VC; however, recent community concerns include VC and other chemicals. Community members are worried that East Palestine is unsafe to live in. Community residents continue to report the presence of chemical odors, and a variety of other negative effects.
We will collect information about the residents' health and blood samples to find out the immediate and long-term impacts from the disaster.
