Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many people in my household can participate in the health research study?
There is no limit on the number of family members that can participate. Families are encouraged to participate!
What health measures will be collected at the clinic?
The East Palestine, Ohio clinic visit will include: a measure of lung and heart function, body measurements, and collection of samples of blood, hair, and urine. You will be asked to bring in toenail clippings. Parents will be asked to provide a baby tooth for their child, if available. The visit will take about 30 minutes. You may be invited to an additional 15-minute clinic visit to assess the health of your liver.
The Cambridge, Ohio clinic visit will include: a measure of heart function, body measurements, and collection of samples of blood, hair, and urine. You will be asked to bring in toenail clippings. Parents will be asked to provide a baby tooth for their child, if available. The visit will take about 30 minutes.
Will I receive the results of my clinic assessments?
Yes! Individual clinic reports will be shared with each participant.
I am already a participant in the University of Kentucky East Palestine Train Derailment Health Tracking Study. Do I still need to sign up for this new study?
Yes. If you participated in the University of Kentucky East Palestine Train Derailment Health Tracking Study, you will need to consent to join this new Health Research Study. You should receive an email to join this new study. If you do not receive an email invitation to join, please contact ephealthstudy@uky.edu
Why is Cambridge, Ohio involved in the East Palestine Health Research Study?
Cambridge, Ohio is the comparison community for East Palestine, Ohio. Cambridge residents are the comparison community because they are similar to East Palestine residents but did not directly experience the train derailment. The role of Cambridge residents is very important to our understanding the potential health impacts from the disaster.
Can those who responded to the derailment, but live outside of the East Palestine, Ohio area participate in the clinic visit?
We recognize those who responded to the derailment may not live near East Palestine, Ohio and that participation in the clinic visit may not be practical. Those who are interested and able to travel to the East Palestine health clinic are welcome and encouraged to do so. Unfortunately, we currently do not have funds to support travel or create an alternative clinic site closer to their residence.
Is the survey only available online?
The survey is online, but a paper copy can be made available if you cannot complete the survey online. To request a paper copy, reach out to our study team.
Who is funding the research?
This program is funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
What are the roles of each university in the health research program?
The University of Kentucky is leading the health research program and is responsible for the health research study.
The University of Pittsburgh is leading the liver and thyroid function measures within the health research study.
Yale University is leading the water research project.
What will it cost me to participate?
There are no costs for you to participate – except for your time.
Is the research connected to any law firm or other agency?
No. The research is not connected or affiliated with any law firm or other agency. The research findings will not be influenced by any outside party.
How can I be sure my results are kept confidential?
We will make every effort to prevent anyone who is not on the research team from knowing that you gave us information, or what that information is.
When we write about or share the results from the study, we will write about the combined information from all participants. We will keep your name and other identifying information private.
Will the East Palestine Health Clinic have access to the information collected through the research study?
No. The East Palestine Health Clinic will not have access to any of the health information collected through the research study.