Questions Raised Over Chemical Testing and Safety Assurances After Ohio Train Derailment
-
Handheld devices used to test homes for chemicals after the East Palestine train derailment couldn't detect concerning levels of butyl acrylate, one of the main spilled chemicals. Residents weren't informed.
-
Independent testing has found extremely low levels of butyl acrylate in some homes, but it's unclear if it's from the derailment. Many residents report lingering health issues.
-
The EPA and railroad operator rejected an initial safety threshold for butyl acrylate proposed by health officials as too low for the testing devices to detect, relying instead on odor.
-
Residents are losing trust in assurances that homes are safe, with some trying to relocate. There are calls for the government to aid relocation and compensate those affected.
-
Chemical contamination is difficult to conclusively trace over time. Without enough evidence of cause but with people reporting illnesses, some experts argue the government should presume exposures occurred and provide health care.