COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two weeks after the train derailment in East Palestine sparked concerns over the safety of the air and water in the area, Governor Mike DeWine and the state's top health officials are assuring the public there is no major health hazard.
What You Need To Know
- The Ohio Department of Health is setting up a clinic in East Palestine, as Gov. Mike DeWine addresses the impact following the train derailment and fire
- During Friday's media briefing, DeWine stressed the clinic is not due to safety concerns, but a precaution
- The clinic is expected to be established in the next few days
"Science indicates that this water is safe. The air is safe,” said DeWine.
The Ohio EPA also said the resulting chemical plume in the Ohio River has dissipated.
"We also know very understandably that residents of East Palestine are concerned," said DeWine. "They might ask themselves if their headache or other medical symptoms may be caused by the train derailment. These are very legitimate questions. The residents need answers. They have suffered a great deal."
In response, DeWine is taking new action. As state environmental officials monitor the air and water levels, DeWine announced plans to establish a clinic in East Palestine through the Ohio Department of Health in the next few days.
The governor stressed the clinic is not due to safety concerns, but a precaution.
"We are going to continue to listen to the community and support them and work with them to ensure their best health,” said Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff.
The federal government is also stepping in.
Senior White House Officials have responded to DeWine's request for additional public health support, with the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deploying a team of medical personnel and toxicologists to conduct public health testing and assessments.