Search Frequent Questions

Filter By:

Active filters:

Remove all filters

Displaying 16 - 27 of 27 results

  • Can I use the East Palestine City Park?

    Yes. Results show that levels of dioxin and semi-volatile organic compounds are well below any levels that we would consider restricting activities, and all are either at or below typical background levels for soil in the United States. In addition, the village has cleaned all recreational equipment, including the pool…

    • Last published:

  • What else can cause urine to test positive for thiodiglycolic acid?

    Thiodiglycolic acid is commonly found in general populations who have not been exposed to vinyl chloride. Some sources can include: Certain foods including raw onions, meat, poultry, and seafood. Some medications, including Zyrtec, and vitamins. Alcoholic beverages. Smoke, including from wood fireplaces, cooking, and cigarettes. Some household products including paints…

    • Last published:

  • If I get a urine test for vinyl chloride, what does that indicate?

    Urine tests show the level of thiodiglycolic acid–a break-down product of vinyl chloride. A complete lab report will show your thiodiglyocolic acid results compared to the normal range commonly found in people in the United States. But this test does not reliably indicate exposure to vinyl chloride. There are several…

    • Last published:

  • What is the status of the cleanup work in the streams?

    There is still more work to be done in Leslie and Sulphur Runs. EPA and Ohio EPA are reviewing the Norfolk Southern sediment mitigation workplan. More cleaning will likely start before April and is expected to continue through July.

    • Last published:

  • Do I need to do anything to ensure my pool is safe?

    There is no current evidence of aerial deposition from the derailment that would impact pools, however ongoing soil sampling and surface water sampling will assist in further verifying the status of aerial deposition. Following these activities, messaging on private pools will be updated as necessary.

    • Last published:

  • What else can cause urine to test positive for thiodiglycolic acid?

    Thiodiglycolic acid is commonly found in general populations who have not been exposed to vinyl chloride. Some sources can include: Certain foods including raw onions, meat, poultry, and seafood. Some medications, including Zyrtec, and vitamins. Alcoholic beverages. Smoke including from wood fireplaces, cooking, and cigarettes. Some household products including paints…

    • Last published:

  • If I get a urine test, what does that indicate?

    If I get a urine test, what does that indicate? Urine tests show the level of thiodiglycolic acid–a break-down product of vinyl chloride. A complete lab report will show your thiodiglyocolic acid results compared to the normal range commonly found in people in the United States. But this test does…

    • Last published:

  • When will water no longer need to be collected to be returned to Sulphur Run?

    We anticipate in the next two-to-four weeks, this work will start in sections of the derailment site. Soil analysis during the double-check phase is needed to remove the hazardous waste listing from the collected wastewater. Data are showing that water flowing over or through sections of the derailment area do…

    • Last published:

  • Why treat the collected water?

    Water collected at the site has the potential to have come into contact with vinyl chloride and other contaminants from the derailment. After the collected wastewater is treated it is then tested, and if it is not hazardous, can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste.

    • Last published:

  • Can I grow a garden at home and eat the produce?

    Yes. You can continue to use your yard as you normally would. Residential soil sampling results are within typical ranges for the area, and garden plants are generally considered safe to eat. Follow normal measures like peeling carrots and root vegetables and washing leafy greens.

    • Last published:

  • Can I use other recreational areas in Ohio and Pennsylvania?

    Yes. Samples collected on impacted properties and local background locations have shown no results of concern on recreational, commercial, and agricultural properties. Some elevated levels have been detected on the public right-of-way (next to roads and highways) and may be assessed further.

    • Last published:

  • I heard there was some new data on dioxin, what does it mean?

    EPA reviewed a presentation from an independent party offered at a recent community meeting that included confusing information. The high value highlighted, over 600,000 parts per trillion, was not the dioxin “toxic equivalency” (TEQ) value that is commonly used to compare soil data to appropriate standards, which is what EPA…

    • Last published: