The CDC has confirmed that numerous investigators in East Palestine, Ohio have fallen ill during their study of potential health effects from February’s train derailment.
Headaches and lethargy are two primary symptoms reported from residents of the town and surrounding areas since the derailment released ethyl acrylate, vinyl chloride, and isobutylene into the air. Considered to be extremely toxic, these chemicals are possibly carcinogenic with elevated exposure.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the industrial transporter, Norfolk Southern would be required to test directly for a group of toxic chemical compounds called dioxins—these compounds can result from the burning of vinyl chloride.
Seven investigators from the CDC and the US Department of Health and Human Services experienced symptoms after arriving to the site. Nearly half of the 15-person team reported headaches, coughing, sore throat, and nausea. These symptoms are consistent with what both first responders and residents have recounted, according to the federal health agency.
The investigators’ ailments land on the heels of repeated statements from government officials that assured the air and drinking water was safe. News of the detectives falling ill arose on the same day the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern, according to court records.
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