Federal officials have stated that the aftermath of last year’s train derailment in eastern Ohio, which forced the evacuation of half the town of East Palestine, does not qualify as a public health emergency. The Environmental Protection Agency did not approve that designation, despite concerns about potential long-term health consequences of the chemicals that spilled and burned during the disaster. Some residents have reported ongoing respiratory problems and unexplained rashes, but the EPA believes it has the authority to respond to the derailment without declaring an emergency.
Although extensive air, water, and soil testing has been conducted, the EPA has not found any environmental data indicating ongoing chemical exposures that would warrant a public health emergency. The agency issued an order to Norfolk Southern declaring that the conditions at the derailment site “may constitute an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or welfare or the environment,” providing the legal authority needed to respond. However, area residents continue to report health issues, such as chronic nosebleeds and rashes, leading to concerns about the long-term impact of the derailment.
Efforts to address the ongoing challenges faced by East Palestine residents include monitoring for additional problems, testing the air and water in the area, and overseeing the cleanup efforts by the railroad company. Despite the lack of concerning levels of chemicals in most testing results, residents continue to experience health issues, including new seizures and cancers. The EPA has stated that no data suggests the need for a public health emergency, and the agency’s response has not included medical benefits that would be available in such a scenario.
The decision to release and burn the vinyl chloride after the derailment was made by Ohio’s governor and the local fire chief, based on the belief that it was safer than risking further explosions. While the EPA had warned of the dangers of releasing and burning vinyl chloride, testing revealed only low levels of hydrogen chloride and no phosgene in the plume of smoke. The National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the derailment is ongoing, with a final report expected in June.
Norfolk Southern has already spent over $1.1 billion on its response to the derailment, including direct aid to the community. President Joe Biden has not declared a disaster in East Palestine, as the railroad is funding the cleanup efforts. The railroad has promised to establish a fund to support the community’s long-term health needs, but this has not yet been implemented. The lack of resources and support has left residents feeling hopeless about the future of their small town as they continue to navigate the aftermath of the disaster.
