EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — A town hall in East Palestine, Ohio became heated as an exasperated and furious crowd shouted their frustrations at state and federal officials and a Norfolk Southern representative.
It's been four weeks since a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the town on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, releasing vinyl chloride, ethyl acrylate and isobutylene into the environment -- chemicals that are considered to be very toxic, possibly even carcinogenic with high exposures. These chemicals have been known to cause symptoms including drowsiness, lethargy, headaches and nausea.
Homeowners have been complaining of an array of symptoms including eye and skin irritation, nausea and headaches. Recently, a medical clinic opened to address those with health questions and concerns. One man became emotional as he addressed Norfolk Southern's representative, saying he didn't feel safe living in East Palestine with his children and grandchildren.
ABC News previously reported that, last month, Norfolk Southern officials had opted out of attending another town hall, citing concerns for their employees' safety -- something for which the community has criticized them.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Senate to question Norfolk Southern CEO on East Palestine derailmentThe hearing comes as senators introduce legislation that would strengthen regulations on the rail industry and stiffen punishments.
Read more »
Rail union says Norfolk Southern endangered workers during East Palestine clean-upA railroad union has accused Norfolk Southern of endangering employees as they cleaned up last month's toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Read more »
Rail union says Norfolk Southern endangered workers during East Palestine cleanupRail unions have been battling for paid sick leave and against Precision Scheduled Railroading, which has resulted in a reduction in the number of workers, which unions say has led to more cursory inspections and trains that are less safe.
Read more »
EPA to require Norfolk Southern to test for dioxins at site of East Palestine train derailmentNorfolk Southern will also be required to conduct a background study that compares dioxin levels around East Palestine, to dioxin levels in other areas not impacted by the Feb. 3 derailment, the EPA said.
Read more »
'I am stressed through the roof': East Palestine residents express concerns to Norfolk Southern during meetingThursday night was the first time Norfolk Southern spoke with residents in East Palestine since the train derailment on Feb. 3.
Read more »
Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw a no-show at East Palestine town meeting“It’s just mind-blowing to me how really ignorant they’ve been to us in every possible way that they could when they should be doing everything that they possibly can to help us,” said …
Read more »