A worker cleans the inside of a train car near the site of the derailment on February 16, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio.
Foto:
Michael Swensen / Getty Images
Some residents of East Palestine, Ohio, say they have developed rashes, sore throats, nausea and headaches. symptoms they are concerned about are related to chemicals released after a train derailment two weeks ago, CNN reported.
The February 3 incident sparked a massive fire, forcing officials to evacuate hundreds of people who lived near the site for fear that dangerous and highly flammable material could catch fire.
To prevent a potentially deadly explosion, toxic vinyl chloride gas was vented and burned, releasing a plume of black smoke over the city for days.
Other chemicals of concern at the site include phosgene and hydrogen chloride, which are released when vinyl chloride decomposes; butyl acrylate; ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate; and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
All of these chemicals can change when they break down or react with other things in the environment.creating a stew of potential toxins.
However, residents were given the go-ahead to return home on February 8 after air monitoring in eastern Palestine did not detect any elevated chemicals of concern.
Officials say additional testing of indoor air in about 500 homes has also shown no danger. Testing of tap water from the municipal system did not show any chemicals at levels that could pose a health hazard, though officials are still testing water from residential rivers, streams and wells in the area.
The results of these tests have failed to reassure some residents, who say something is making them sick, even if officials can’t find it, the outlet reports.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said a request for medical experts from the US Department of Health and Human Services has been granted and officials should arrive early next week to help shore up a clinic for patients.
“We know that the science indicates that this water is safe, the air is safe. But we also know very understandably that the residents of eastern Palestine are concerned,” she assured.
DeWine said he plans to set up a clinic where HHS officials and others will answer questions, assess symptoms and provide medical expertise.
Also read:
· What is vinyl chloride, the chemical that caused the big explosion in Ohio?
· US government insists that affected areas in East Palestine are a safe place
Ohio Governor Says Congress Needs to “Take a Look” at Chemical Train Derailment
