The town of East Palestine, Ohio held a meeting on Wednesday for residents seeking answers about a toxic train spill.
Some community members are concerned that a major release of harmful chemicals following the train derailment earlier this month may be harmful to their health.
- A Norfolk Southern train transporting hazardous materials derailed near East Palestine, Ohio on Feb. 3.
- Crews were forced to release and ignite vinyl chloride from rail cars that were in danger of exploding.
- Vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen that can kill swiftly at high levels.
- Some residents are demanding more information about the incident, including how potential long-term health effects will be monitored going forward.
- Norfolk Southern opted not to send representatives to the town meeting yesterday, citing concerns about a “physical threat to our employees," at the event.
- Air and water in the area affected by the derailment were deemed to be safe five days after the incident, but residents have expressed distrust about the information coming from official sources.
