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Early Research

In April 2023, the University of Kentucky launched the East Palestine Train Derailment Health Tracking Study. Residents completed periodic surveys to track long-term health symptoms, mapping data to identify geographic "hot spots" and trends over time.

The primary goals are to establish a long-term resident cohort and answer community questions about environmental exposure.  The study included a health survey and several pilot studies that would address immediate needs, but also direct us where to put our future efforts  The result of this early work is shared below. 

Health Tracking Fact Sheet - Summer 2024

Health Tracking Fact Sheet - Summer 2025

Pilot Studies

Immune Function Pilot Study

This pilot study explored how the immune system responds to chemical exposure following the train derailment. Nineteen East Palestine residents provided blood and urine samples on July 17–18, 2023. Their immune cell counts were analyzed and compared with a non-exposed comparison group. Participants have received their results.

Fact Sheet

Community Webinar

Study Publication

Characterizing Immune Perturbations in Peripheral Blood Following the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment 

Sheridan B. Wagner, Hami Hemati, Siva Gandhapudi, Timothy J. Hilbert, Candace Brancato, Erin N. Haynes, and Ilhem Messaoudi. Characterizing immune perturbations in peripheral blood following the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology. 15 May 2026.

Indoor Air Sampling Pilot Study

This pilot study was conducted to measure specific Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in indoor air. We used a small passive air sampler in 31 East Palestine buildings, mostly homes. Participants have received their results.

Fact Sheet

Serum Dioxin Pilot Study

Eighteen East Palestine Health Tracking Study participants provided blood for analyses to measure dioxin levels in their blood (serum) and compare with levels typically found in the US. The findings have been published, and participants have received their results.

Fact Sheet

Study Publication

Serum Dioxin Levels in a Subset of Participants of the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Health Tracking Study 

Erin N. Haynes, Brenda Eskenazi, Timothy J. Hilbert, Candace Brancato, Nina Holland, Christine Kim, Antonia M. Calafat, Richard Jones, Mark Davis, Linda S. Birnbaum, Andreas Sjodin. Serum Dioxin Levels in a Subset of Participants of the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Health Tracking Study.  Ecotoxicology and Public Health. 7 June 2024.

Silicone Wristband Pilot Study

This pilot study measured semi-volatile organic compound (SVOC) exposure among East Palestine resident. 80 participants wore a silicone wristband from July 16 to July 23, 2023. The wristbands were analyzed for 135 SVOCs. Participants have received their results.

Fact Sheet

Urine Metabolites Pilot Study

This pilot study measured markers of chemicals in the urine of East Palestine Heath Tracking Study participants, University of Kentucky research staff and the comparison community of Marietta, Ohio. Results were compared with levels typically found in the US. Participants have received their results.

COMING SOON> Fact Sheet and Community Webinar

Current Research Program

The current research program, East Palestine Train Derailment Health Research Program, is open to recruitment and findings will be posted here when available.