Learn the Issues
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Are any other tests ordered?
There may be based on the evaluation by the physician or other healthcare provider. If a patient is having specific symptoms there may be other tests needed. For example, if a patient is short of breath, they may need to have a chest x-ray or other tests done to evaluate…
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How often should these screening tests be done?
We recommend having these tests every 6 months for the first year and then every year after that. This will allow the doctor or other healthcare provider to monitor changes in your health. This week’s questions are answered by Dr. Gretchen Nickell, Chief Medical Officer of the East Liverpool City…
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What kind of screening does the East Liverpool City Hospital's East Palestine Clinic offer related to the train derailment?
The screening tests are based on recommendations by specialists in toxicology to monitor anyone exposed to substances from the train derailment. The tests include urine and blood tests. A urinalysis is done that looks for problems involving the kidneys. The blood tests include a complete blood count (CBC) and a…
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Are there specific medical tests available for vinyl chloride?
Medical tests to determine if you have been exposed to vinyl chloride include measuring vinylchloride in your breath but must be collected shortly after exposure. The test is not useful for very low levels of exposure. Thiodiglycolic acid, which is a breakdown product of vinyl chloride detected in urine, can…
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I have heard about research being conducted by the University of Kentucky. What is the health tracking survey?
University of Kentucky College of Public Health researcher Dr. Erin N. Haynes and her team received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct a long-term health study with and for the residents of East Palestine and the surrounding area. The first step is to learn more…
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Does the East Palestine clinic require an appointment, or can people just show up without an appointment if they require immediate medical care.
An appointment is preferred, but if they can, they will accommodate walk-in patients. If they believe it’s an emergency, they should go to the emergency room or urgent care for medical attention. Site Status check as of June 23
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What are SVOCs (and VOCs)?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that can readily transform into vapor (a gas) at lower temperatures. Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are more likely to be liquids or solids at lower temperatures. Some examples of products that include SVOCs are many pesticides, oil-based products, and fire retardants…
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What are dioxins and how common are they?
Dioxins are found throughout the world in the environment. Dioxins are a result of industrial processes and other activities such as burning fuels like wood, coal, or oil. Dioxins are called persistent organic pollutants, meaning they take a long time to break down once they are in the environment.
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Should I let my pets and/or children play in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run?
Until the stream characterization assessment is completed, and the results analyzed, recreational use of Sulphur and Leslie Run should be avoided. While surface water is tested every three days and has not shown any contaminants at levels that exceed health standards since May 1, further investigation is needed to determine…
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Why are street cleaners no longer watering Taggart the same way they used to?
Street cleaners now lightly mist Taggart with water before using a vacuum truck to collect material from the road. Crews adopted this approach to keep sediment and dust out of the storm drains and Sulphur Run.
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Will cleaning the creeks be the last action taken at Sulphur Run and Leslie Run?
EPA’s Order requires detailed identification (characterization) of contamination in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run. The stream characterization will include surface water and sediment testing for contaminants of concern including vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate. This stream characterization will find any areas of remaining contamination and inform the next steps for…
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What is the research workshop that National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the national academies are planning in East Palestine and the greater community?
NIH is putting plans in place to work with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to hold a workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to explore potential research priorities to understand the short- and longterm health impacts of the Norfolk Southern Train Derailment. The workshop will be…
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Where can I find the East Palestine City Park soil sampling results?
You can find East Palestine City Park soil sampling results at: East Palestine City Park soil sampling results
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Where can I find soil sampling data and results?
EPA will release validated (final) and non-validated (preliminary) soil sampling results from East Palestine and surrounding Ohio and Pennsylvania areas as they become available. As soon as the quality of non-validated preliminary data has been fully assessed and documented, EPA will post validated data on the East Palestine, Ohio Train…
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How were soil sample locations chosen?
The study area was determined based on evacuation zones, plume modeling, field observations, and areas most likely to be impacted by the vent and burn. Event Reconstruction Plume Map
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What were the results from the phase 1 of soil sampling?
Phase 1 of soil sampling is complete, and we have received most of the preliminary data. The vast majority of results are within typical ranges for soil. Samples taken on private properties are all within typical soil levels, and only a few samples taken along public right-of-way (next to roads…
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What chemicals did the soil sampling plan focus on?
The soil sampling plan focused on determining if the area was impacted by soot and ash from the vent and burn and if the area was significantly impacted compared to areas not impacted by soot and ash. Samples were analyzed for semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and dioxins (including furans). To…
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What is the status of the soil sampling effort?
As of early May 2023, 148 locations have been sampled. Each location includes a shallow sample (0-1 inch) and deeper sample (1-6 inches). The data were validated by experienced chemists to assess the quality of the preliminary data. During the data validation process, chemists check to see that the data…
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What are soil sampling results compared to?
Levels of contaminants in soils are compared to EPA regional screening levels and known typical concentration levels in soil. Screening levels are a tool that responders use to identify potential risks to human health and the environment and if there is a need for further investigation. Screening levels are health…
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What are the next steps?
The sampling data will be evaluated to determine if additional sampling or other action is necessary (additional information will be made available soon). Evaluation of results and future sampling plans will guide EPA’s future work and environmental monitoring in the East Palestine area.