A new peer-reviewed pilot study of East Palestine residents exposed to the Norfolk Southern train derailment in February 2023 suggests their immune systems were still responding to toxic chemical exposures six months after the accident. The research, led by the University of Kentucky, found elevated red blood cell counts, higher hemoglobin levels, inflammation, and increased cells that attack chemicals, alongside reduced infection-fighting cells.
Study Details and Findings
The study compared blood samples from East Palestine residents, including city council member Jessica Boersma, who lives less than a quarter mile from the site, to a control group. Boersma, who spent significant time coordinating with first responders, showed signs of chronic inflammation and altered cell counts. Researchers also observed higher levels of tissue-repair proteins and lower infection-fighting cells, indicating a response to chemical exposure.
“This pilot shows evidence that the bodies of those who lived in close proximity to the site were still fighting and repairing from a toxic exposure,” said Erin Haynes, a University of Kentucky study co-author. The research did not look for particular diseases but focused on immune markers.
Background and Health Complaints
Dozens of cars on the Norfolk Southern train derailed and burned in the town of 4,700. Two days later, officials conducted a controlled burn of vinyl chloride to prevent a major explosion. Dioxin levels were found to be up to 14 times higher than EPA safety levels, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were emitted. Residents reported headaches, rashes, respiratory problems, and hormonal disruptions.
Boersma, a chiropractor, experienced gall bladder pain, irregular menstrual cycles, elevated cortisol, and an itchy throat and nose for six months after the wreck. “I feel pretty normal now, but I’m interested in getting involved because I want proof – clinical, and black-and-white data – that show health markers that I could follow,” she said.
Immune Response and Stress Factors
Haynes noted that VOCs can attack every organ, and the immune response is “suggestive” of the body fighting a toxicant. Stress, which was severe among residents, is also linked to immune dysregulation. However, not all participants showed impacts. Ron and Peggy Caratelli, who lived about eight-tenths of a mile away and evacuated for a month, had no markers of immune system effects.
“There was an overwhelming smell and we could taste it, it made our eyes burn, and we could feel it in our lungs,” Peggy said. Ron has COPD, but it is unclear if it stems from the wreck or other factors.
Next Steps and Limitations
The researchers plan to check a larger group of residents and first responders. The study’s authors stressed that the findings do not prove the derailment caused the observed changes or that individuals will develop future health problems.
“We really wanted to look at the body’s ability to fight a toxicant or foreign substance,” Haynes added. “It looks like their bodies were fighting an infection, but it was probably the exposure.”
