A recent study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology provides the first insights to potential immune system impacts from exposure to the toxic pollutants released by the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in 2023.
In short:
- Blood samples taken from 19 residents living within one mile of the derailment five months after the exposure showed irregularities in the immune system.
- These irregularities included signs of prolonged and chronic inflammation.
- Samples also showed lower levels of some immune system cell types, which can be linked to an increased susceptibility to infections.
Key quote:
“Despite measured levels of released compounds being reported as below minimal risk thresholds, the symptoms reported by East Palestine residents and first responders align with those of volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure.”
Why this matters:
The Norfolk Southern train derailment exposed residents in East Palestine and the surrounding area to multiple highly toxic chemicals, including known human carcinogens such as vinyl chloride, an ingredient in PVC plastic that’s been linked to lung and liver cancer, neurological disorders, and miscarriage. Officials claimed that air contamination levels were within safety thresholds by 5 days after the accident, but experts have raised concerns over whether the screening methods used were sensitive enough to detect low concentrations of toxics. There was also no monitoring for any chemical compounds created by the burning and breakdown of the original pollutants. The authors of this study highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring to identify long-term health effects, which could help inform disaster preparedness, better support victims and first responders, and minimize the harm future disasters may cause to public health.
Related EHN coverage:
- East Palestine 6 months later: Health issues persists and answers are elusive
- Displaced and distraught: East Palestine remains at risk and without answers
- Toxic vinyl chloride is a widespread environmental injustice
More resources: The Allegheny Front, a public radio program covering environmental issues in western and central Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, produced an award-winning series covering the fallout of the East Palestine derailment a year after the original disaster.
