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  • What work still needs to be done at the derailment site?

    Although contaminated soil has been excavated and removed from the derailment site, some additional work remains. Soil sampling continues to check all areas where cleanup operations took place. Stream assessments continue, and culvert clean out has started. Groundwater and drinking water sampling also continues. Expect these investigations and possible additional…

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  • What is split sampling?

    Split sampling is a technique where multiple samples are collected from the same location at the same time and then sent to separate laboratories for analysis. Checking to see if the labs get the same or similar results is a way to determine the accuracy of the data. If there…

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  • Are the trucks leaving the derailment site spreading contamination?

    Each truck leaving the derailment site that is carrying contaminated waste is checked to ensure all material is safely secured. Also, all trucks go through a washing process before departing the site. The washing process ensures the vehicles’ wheels and undercarriage are free of dirt and mud. Street sweepers are…

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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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  • Can I grow a garden at home or plant crops?

    Yes. You can continue to use your land as you normally would. Residential soil sampling results are within typical ranges for the area. Follow normal measures like peeling root vegetables and washing leafy greens.

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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.

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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 forvery low levels of exposure. Thiodiglycolic acid, which is a breakdown product of vinyl chloride detected in urine, can also…

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  • What are the terms used to describe the length of exposure to substances?

    Acute exposure is any contact with a substance that occurs once or for up to 14 days. Intermediate exposure is contact occurring for more than 14 days but less than one year. Chronic exposure is contact occurring for longer than one year.

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  • What work happens after contamination under and between the train tracks is removed?

    After track work is complete, additional cleanup and assessments will continue. This includes shipping solid and liquid wastes off-site, excavating in areas where rail cars were staged and scrapped, and sampling and monitoring groundwater, soil, surface water, and sediment.

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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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  • Can smoke from the Canadian wildfires cause health concerns?

    Most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from smoke exposure and will not have long-lasting health effects. But people with chronic diseases, such as asthma, other lung disease, or cardiovascular disease are at greater risk of experiencing more severe health effects. Children, pregnant people, and people over 65 also…

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  • How do federal and state agencies get notified of a chemical or oil spill requiring an emergency response?

    By law, companies or individuals who spill hazardous chemicals or oil are required to call the National Response Center (NRC) if the quantity is above reporting limits. The NRC then notifies federal, state and local responders. Most States have additional reporting requirements that are separate from the NRC.

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  • Columbiana County Health District has sampled my private well, will it be sampled again?

    Residents will be contacted if they are within the priority zones and have signed up for private well sampling. Within 60 days after the first sample, private wells are resampled, and residents will be contacted to schedule resampling. Residents within one of the four priority zones can also schedule a…

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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 do I do with my indoor plants during the cleaning?

    You may leave plants on your property and inside your home or place of business. However, the cleaning team will not move any of your belongings, including plants. You may want to consider moving plants outside for the day, if possible, and watering them before you leave.

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