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West Virginia American Water Takes Precaution After Ohio Train Derailment Health Concerns On The Rise
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A train derailment in Ohio caused a toxic plume of vinyl chloride to be released into the air.
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This has prompted West Virginia American Water to take precautions and enhance their water treatment process.
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The company is also installing a secondary intake on the Guyandotte River as a precautionary measure.
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There have been no changes in the raw water at the Ohio River intake, and no drinking water advisories are in place.
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The burning chemicals have been completely put out and a massive clean up project is underway.
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The U.S. and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring the situation.
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East Palestine's water system is 100% safe, as it is a closed water system and the well field is located far from the accident site.
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The train derailment was caused by a broken axle and occurred on February 3rd, involving 50 cars, including 10 carrying hazardous materials.
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Authorities burned vinyl chloride in five tanker cars to get rid of the highly flammable and toxic chemicals.
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Environmental regulators have stated that air quality remains safe and drinking water supplies have not been affected.
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However, some residents have reported headaches and feeling sick since the derailment.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found that three other chemicals, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, and isobutylene, were also in the derailed cars.
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Ethylhexyl acrylate is a carcinogen that can cause skin and eye irritation and respiratory problems.
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A town hall is being held to respond to residents' concerns on Wednesday.
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Environmental activist Erin Brockovich is advising residents to document their health issues and any wildlife or fish deaths.
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A federal lawsuit has been filed calling for Norfolk Southern to pay for medical screenings for anyone living within a 30-mile radius of the derailment.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared it is safe for residents to return home.
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However, there are concerns about fish in local bodies of water dying and possible long-term health effects from the pollution.