The Trump administration has announced a $10 million initiative to study health impacts in East Palestine Ohio. The decision comes after a train carrying dangerous chemicals crashed in February 2023 and caused a toxic spill. The accident forced a controlled burn of the chemicals and released dangerous toxins into the air and water.

Vice President JD Vance pushed for the study after hearing concerns from residents. The community has reported headaches respiratory problems and skin issues since the incident. The study will last five years and include in-depth research on the long-term impact of exposure to vinyl chloride benzene and other toxic substances.

Officials say the project will use health tracking and communication between scientists and residents. They plan to collect data and identify potential future risks especially for children and future generations.

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Vance blamed the former Biden administration for ignoring the issue. He said Biden officials knew about the health dangers but chose not to act. Internal documents recently released through a FOIA request showed they were aware of the potential damage.

“There was a terrible train crash and then there was a controlled burn of toxic chemicals that went into the atmosphere,” Vance said in a video with health officials.

In April 2024 Norfolk Southern paid $600 million in a settlement to victims of the crash. Still many families want answers about what exposure might mean in ten or fifteen years. Trump’s health study will focus on those questions and help guide treatment and prevention efforts in the future.