Pa. Will Monitor Private Wells Near The East Palestine Site For 10 Years

"Residents remain concerned about how the accident is impacting their health."

"A year and a half after a catastrophic Norfolk Southern train derailment and chemical fire in East Palestine, Ohio, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has announced plans to monitor private drinking water wells for Pennsylvania residents living within one mile of the accident site for the next decade.

East Palestine borders Pennsylvania, and a recent study found that toxic chemicals from the incident spread to at least 16 states.

The chemicals released in the spill, including vinyl chloride, 2-butoxyethanol and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, are used to manufacture plastic. Exposure to these chemicals is linked to headaches, nausea, neurological problems, liver damage and cancer, among other health effects. Residents in surrounding regions have reported lingering health problems like stomach aches, headaches and respiratory problems in the wake of the incident."

Kristina Marusic reports for Environmental Health News August 29, 2024.

Source: EHN, 09/03/2024