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Scientists launch survey to investigate health impact of train derailment in East Palestine

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters
Aerial view of the train derailment wreckage in East Palestine. ()
Aerial view of the train derailment wreckage in East Palestine. () Screenshot from NTSB B-roll recorded Feb. 5, 2023 Screenshot from NTSB B-roll recorded Feb. 5, 2023

A team of researchers led by University of Kentucky College of Public Health environmental scientist Erin Haynes is studying potential health hazards after the train derailment in East Palestine.

Haynes wants to hear from anyone whose health has been affected by the train derailment and release of hazardous materials in East Palestine on Feb. 3.

“Our goal is to conduct long-term research with and for the residents of East Palestine,” Haynes said.

Residents 18 or older from surrounding counties are encouraged to complete the survey online, including Mahoning, Columbiana, Stark, Carroll and Jefferson Counties in Ohio.

If you live in Beaver and Lawrence Counties, Pennsylvania and Hancock County, West Virginia, the researchers also want to hear from you.

According to Haynes, the survey asks questions about their experiences during the evacuation, concerns about exposures and health symptoms, including stress.

“It’s important that we characterize the health symptoms and exposure concerns from residents in East Palestine and in the surrounding area,” Haynes said. “We do not know exactly how far the chemicals have spread, so we want to include all surrounding counties in this survey.”

Fill out the East Palestine Train Derailment Health Tracking Study here.

Participating in the survey helps scientists understand “the potential lingering health effects from the toxic chemicals released and formed from the derailment and the subsequent controlled burn of chemicals.”

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This story was originally published April 10, 2023 at 3:15 PM.