- Nearly three quarters of the 168 people who completed the health assessment survey said they had experienced headaches since the train derailment.
- Six in ten reported a cough, while more than half said they had skin irritation or pain.
- State officials say the results of the survey will be used “to better understand how derailments may affect residents and determine the appropriate public health response.”
Columbus, Ohio –
Health assessment surveys of East Palestine, Ohio, have revealed that the most common symptoms experienced by residents since Last month’s toxic train derailment Headache, cough and anxiety are included.
survey findingsreleased Friday, operated by the Ohio Department of Health and the US Department of Health and Human Services. Other common symptoms reported by residents were fatigue and a burning sensation, pain or irritation in their skin, according to a statement from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office.
The “After Chemical Exposure (ACE) Community” survey was completed by 168 people who have either visited a state health assessment clinic or been visited at home by federal officials in the past two weeks.
The average age of those surveyed was 57 and almost all respondents are over 18 years old.
DeWine’s office said Friday that officials will use the information “to better understand how the derailment may affect residents and determine the appropriate public health response.”
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What was revealed in the survey?
Nearly three-quarters, or 74%, of the participants said they had experienced headaches since derail, Six out of ten people reported coughing, and more than half said they experienced irritation, pain or a burning sensation in their skin.
Of the 168 respondents, 64% reported feeling anxious and 58% said they felt tired or exhausted.
after the toxic derailment
In addition to releasing the results of health assessment surveys, Devine’s office provided updates on the remedial process in the region.
According to DeWine’s office, the state Environmental Protection Agency is overseeing the train track removal operations. In a plan submitted by Norfolk Southern, the removal of tracks, earthwork and reconstruction of the rails are set to be completed by April 30.
Davin’s office also said that water sample results from private water systems of East Palestinian homes “show no harmful levels of contaminants.” Of the 157 private systems tested, 57 samples were verified and none showed harmful levels.
According to Devine’s office, the removal of hazardous waste from the derailment continues. Hazardous waste has been hauled to various disposal sites in Ohio and other states.
In total, about 3.2 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been diverted from the East Palestine area and about 1,700 tons of solid waste from the derailment, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency said.
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Norfolk Southern has stated that it is “committed to coordinating the cleanup project and paying for its associated costs,” and seeks to ensure that the residents and natural environment of East Palestine are restored.
Federal and state officials have repeatedly said it is safe for evacuated residents to return to the area and air tests in the town and inside hundreds of homes have not detected any levels of contaminants.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the company to cover the cost of cleaning up the derailment of 38 rail cars in East Palestine.
On Monday, the office of Ohio Gov. Josh Shapiro said he met with Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw last week and secured an initial commitment for financial assistance as the cleanup of the derailment continues. According to the governor, the company will pay $5 million to reimburse fire departments for contaminated or damaged equipment and $1 million to Beaver and Lawrence counties to help business owners and residents whose livelihoods were damaged.
Shapiro said another roughly $1.4 million would go to state agencies that responded, including setting up a health clinic for residents.
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Contribution: Associated Press
