Latest news with #EastPalestineOhio
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Biden Admin accused of covering up 'cancer clusters' after major 2023 health emergency
The Biden administration has been accused of covering up the devastating reality of a potential Ohio cancer cluster. A new whistleblower report shows Biden and authorities like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ignored and failed to publish health data after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023. The Government Accountability Project has obtained federal emails and documents alleging the government knew there would be 'inevitable health impacts' from the incident. They also claim the Biden administration knew residents would need health checkups for at least 20 years after the spill — but failed to disclose that to the public. The chemicals released during the disaster, many of which are known carcinogens, spilled into the soil of the 5,000-person town and the nearby Ohio River. They also spread through the air in massive 'really toxic' smoke plumes,' which could increase the risk of 'cancer clusters' forming, according to the head of the watchdog group. Two years later, East Palestine residents are still exposed to a dozen chemicals linked to respiratory issues, fatigue, high blood pressure, leukemia and kidney, lung, liver and brain cancer. And a recent paper found 540,000 square miles, spanning 16 states, were exposed to traces of volatile chemicals during the disaster. Lesley Pacey, an investigator with the Government Accountability Project, told NewsNation: 'They knew that there would be the potential for cancer clusters. 'These documents confirm what East Palestine residents have feared: government officials knew about the serious health risks posed by the derailment and controlled burn but deliberately kept this information from the community.' Pacey obtained FEMA documents and emails between the agency and the White House, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Justice and the National Security council, which showed the people of East Palestine are still prone to devastating health consequences. According to Pacey, the emails noted 'the occurrence of a cancer-cluster in [East Palestine] is not zero' and urged efforts 'to identify cancer clusters.' The Government Accountability Project's report also revealed the Biden administration allegedly thought East Palestine residents would need at least 20 years of medical checks following the incident. The Project also determined the findings 'point to inevitable health impacts.' Over a dozen chemicals were in the rail cars, including several carcinogens. Vinyl chloride, for example, travels through the blood and gets broken down by the liver into even more toxic chemicals. When breathed in over many years, it can cause liver and nerve damage and leave people with a weakened immune system. Exposure to the gas is also associated with a heightened risk of a rare form of liver cancer (hepatic angiosarcoma), as well as primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), brain and lung cancers, lymphoma and leukemia. When burned, vinyl chloride creates hydrogen chloride and phosgene — a highly toxic, colorless gas with a strong odor that can cause vomiting and breathing trouble and was used as a chemical weapon in World War I. Trichloroethylene, meanwhile, is a clear liquid used as a solvent in for rubbers, fats, oils, waxes and resins. It's also a known carcinogen that has been linked to kidney and liver cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. And colorless liquid butyl acrylate has been linked to irritation in the eyes, including redness and tearing up, a scratchy throat, issues with breathing and redness and cracking of the skin. Continued exposure over months and years can cause the skin to itch and affected areas to ooze. Sil Caggiano, a hazardous materials specialist and former fire department chief, told WKBN 27 First News in 2023: 'We basically nuked a town with chemicals so we could get a railroad open.'
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Entire system contaminated 2 years after Ohio train derailment: Ex-resident
(NewsNation) — Two years after a toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, left many with lingering health problems. A new vital report has revealed the government may have intentionally avoided addressing those concerns. Residents are now suing the CDC, alleging the agency told healthcare providers not to treat them. Jess Connard, a former East Palestine resident, shared that she and others know the entire system meant to protect them is contaminated. 'The CDC told us that there was nothing they could do about our chemical exposures, and that's exactly what happened, nothing,' Connard said. 'And in the same breath, they told us that our cancers would be treatable.' Norfolk Southern Ohio train derailment payout trial begins Connard was one of several to relocate their families with regards to health concerns, but she dealt with the effects of the chemicals in a similar fashion to other residents. 'You'll go to the doctor and they don't attach it back to the derailment,' added Connard. 'They're not epidemiologists. They're not meant to do that. They're meant to treat our symptoms.' FEMA is also catching heat along with the CDC now from Connard and her former neighbors because, after the event, they were ordered to provide an unmet needs assessment. The assessment would have brought forth additional medical resources. 'You've got our current Vice President, J.D. Vance, in his current capacity as Ohio Senator, urged former President Biden to declare a public emergency,' Connard said. 'Why not now? We know that the contamination is still present and ongoing.' Connard hopes that under President Trump's administration, the resources needed in East Palestine will finally be supplied. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
