East Palestine Residents’ Concerns for Their Health, Extended to their Furry Friends: Study Tests Dogs for Chemical Exposure Following Train Derailment

Residents in East Palestine are still concerned about their health following the train derailment that took place last year. While their worries are understandable, many residents are also worried about the well-being of their pets. A recent study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in East Palestine aimed to address these concerns by testing local dogs for exposure to chemicals.

The study involved drawing blood from local dogs and analyzing it for signs of exposure to various chemicals in the environment. The goal of the study was to identify early warning signs of health effects in humans, as health issues typically manifest faster in dogs than in humans. Lonnie Miller, a resident of East Palestine whose family home was near the site of the train derailment and fires, brought her dog Chevy in for testing as part of the study. She noticed that Chevy had developed lumps that were not present a year and a half ago.

Frances Chen, a researcher and assistant professor at the Chan Medical School, discussed the broader scope of the study, which involved using passive sampling tags to analyze chemical exposures in dogs. These tags have the capacity to detect over 1500 different types of chemicals in the environment. Miller emphasized the importance of including her dog in the study, stating that it could potentially help individuals impacted by chemical exposure in the future. She noted that while pet owners may not have a voice of their own, it is crucial for them to advocate for their well-being.

Overall, this study has significant implications for both human and pet health following disasters like train derailments or other chemical spills. It highlights the need for continued research and advocacy to protect all members of our community from harmful chemicals and environmental factors.