Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, are still concerned about their health following last year’s train derailment. However, another major worry for many is the health of their pets. A study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School is gathering blood samples from dogs in East Palestine to assess their chemical exposure levels. This study aims to identify any early warning signs of health issues in humans.
One resident, Lonnie Miller, who lives very close to the site of the derailment, brought her dog, Chevy, in for testing. She noticed that Chevy had developed lumps that were not present a year and a half ago. By examining the health effects in dogs, researchers hope to detect potential risks for humans sooner. Frances Chen, a researcher and assistant professor at the Chan Medical School, explained that dogs can serve as environmental sentinels since their health can deteriorate more quickly than humans in response to chemical exposure.
The blood draws conducted on Saturday are part of a larger, ongoing study by the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. After the train derailment, passive sampling tags were distributed to dog owners in the area to monitor exposure to various chemicals in the environment. These tags have the capability to detect 1500 different types of chemicals. Lonnie Miller participated in this study to ensure that her dog’s health information could benefit those who might be impacted by chemical exposure in the future.
Miller emphasized the far-reaching impact of the disaster on the community, noting that even pets are affected. She expressed
