Water Contamination: East Palestine Train Derailment Contaminates Ohio River
A train derailment and accident is a tragedy. When that train is pulling 20 hazardous material cars containing toxic chemicals – and five of the derailed cars are loaded with toxins – there is a potential for an environmental catastrophe of epic proportions. At Kelley Ferraro, LLC, we are passionate about protecting those injured or harmed in situations such as this. If you have concerns about your health and well-being after the East Palestine train derailment in Ohio on Feb. 4, 2023, we can help.
Environmental Hazards And The Immediate Danger To The Public
Emergency response teams arriving on the scene focused on containing the immediate threat to the public. They also worked to prevent any further contamination of the waterways as firefighters extinguished the blaze, causing runoff into the drinking supply. A contaminant-filled plume filled the air and would not go away. Authorities and officials decided a controlled burn was the best way to reduce the risk of environmental damage. The public was evacuated until such a time that the drinking water could be deemed safe.
After air and water sample testing, officials declared themselves to be “pretty confident” that the local residents dependent on municipal water were safe to drink the water. However, the Ohio Department of Health encouraged residents (especially those pregnant, breastfeeding or using water to prepare baby formula) with private water systems to get their wells tested. Officials continue to monitor the situation, but like all toxic exposure cases, the effects on the local population may not be known for years.
Dangerous And Contaminated Water: Lasting Health Concerns
As water contamination attorneys who have helped those who became sick and terminally ill by the Camp Lejeune water contamination catastrophe, we understand the extensive damage that can be caused by environmental contamination. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contaminated drinking water can cause:
- Severe gastrointestinal illnesses
- Significant damages to the body’s nervous or reproductive systems
- Chronic and terminal diseases, including cancer
These sorts of stories are always difficult to see on television and in the news when they happen. When it happens in your community, and your family is the family at risk, it can be terrifying. If you have concerns that the East Palestine train derailment put your family at risk, we can help at Kelley Ferraro, LLC.
Are You Concerned That Your Family Is At Risk? Don’t Wait To Call Us.
The experienced product liability and personal injury attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC, know how to help alleviate concerns and help people impacted by catastrophic events such as the East Palestine train derailment. Call us today at 216.575.0777 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule your free, initial case assessment today.