Lawsuit: Thousands of Western Pa. residents at risk
A class-action lawsuit alleges the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment and subsequent controlled burn of hazardous chemicals could have an adverse effect on the health of thousands of Western Pennsylvanians.
In the suit, two Beaver County men say they want Norfolk Southern Railway to pay for the medical monitoring of everyone who lives or works within a 30mile radius of the Ohio village.
Those in the radius “have been exposed to toxic substances, toxic fumes and carcinogens and thereby suffer and will continue to suffer a significantly increased risk of serious injury and diseases,” reads the suit, which was filed last week. “This increased risk makes periodic diagnostic medical testing and examinations necessary.”
On Feb. 3, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed, causing a fire that burned for three days before the transportation corporation’s emergency team conducted a controlled burn of five tanks of vinyl chloride to avoid an explosion. During the controlled burn, a dark mushroom cloud formed over East Palestine as phosgene and hydrogen chloride were released into the air.
These chemicals are associated with various health risks. Vinyl chloride is linked to increased
risk of numerous cancers; phosgene is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular problems; and hydrogen chloride is linked to skin, eye and respiratory irritation.
On the day of the controlled burn, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered an immediate evacuation of a 1-mile-by-2mile area surrounding East Palestine, which is close to the state line. That order was lifted two days later, on Feb. 8.
While authorities say the area is now safe, some who live in and around the village say they are experiencing health problems, according to Newsweek. Others have noticed dead animals in the area, NBC reports.
According to the suit, Norfolk Southern’s negligence caused the derailment and controlled burn,
and the corporation is liable for the injuries and damages suffered by those in the radius.
The lawsuit argues that a medical monitoring program could reduce people’s risk of illness through early detection and treatment.
The suit was filed by Andrew Erdos and David Anderson, who both live in New Galilee, about 7 miles east of East Palestine. The pair, individually and on behalf of those in the radius, also seeks an undetermined amount in compensatory, punitive and exemplary damages.
The suit demands a jury trial.
A GoFundMe page to support East Palestine residents has raised more than $10,000.
East Palestine officials invited affected residents to a town hall meeting Wednesday evening to discuss lingering questions.