At the urging of Vice President JD Vance, the Trump administration has announced a $10 million, five-year initiative to study the long-term health impacts on residents of East Palestine, Ohio, following a toxic train derailment.
The initiative will use longitudinal epidemiological research to assess both short- and long-term effects of exposure to hazardous chemicals such as vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylene glycol, and benzene residue. It will also include public health tracking and surveillance, alongside new communication channels connecting researchers, public officials, and community members to support findings and develop solutions.
“There was a terrible train crash, followed by a controlled burn of toxic chemicals that entered the atmosphere,” Vance said in a video announcement with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya. “People in East Palestine are understandably worried about the long-term impacts of these chemicals in their water and air—what effects might show up years down the line, for their kids and grandkids.”
Vance criticized the prior Biden administration for allegedly failing to study the long-term health effects on the community. Communications obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request reportedly show that the Biden administration was aware of serious health risks from the spill, despite publicly downplaying concerns about contamination.
Critics have condemned former President Biden for inadequate action after the February 2023 derailment, which sparked widespread fear as residents reported headaches, respiratory problems, and skin and eye irritation.
In April 2024, Norfolk Southern, the company operating the derailed train, agreed to a $600 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit brought by East Palestine residents.
“As a senator, it was frustrating to see the Biden administration refuse to address potential health impacts from the derailment,” Vance said. “I’m proud that the new administration takes the concerns of working-class Americans seriously.”
NIH Director Bhattacharya confirmed that research for the initiative is expected to begin this fall.
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