CDC Investigators Studying Ohio Train Derailment Fall Ill During Health Impact Investigation

Multiple investigators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fell ill while studying the health impacts of a train derailment in Ohio last month. The train released toxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride, ethyl acrylate, and isobutylene, into the environment. The investigators reported symptoms consistent with what residents and first responders have described. It is unclear if their symptoms came from the toxic chemicals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring Norfolk Southern to test for dioxins, and the Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the company.