On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, just an hour from Pittsburgh. Officials initially said air and water were safe, but residents reported lots of mysterious symptoms — and they continue to worry about the long-term health effects of the vent and burn of a million pounds of toxic vinyl chloride. Julie Grant, environment and energy reporter for the Allegheny Front, explains what we do (and don’t) know about the health impacts of the derailment, where lawsuits and rail safety legislation currently stand, and how the community is coping as we mark a somber second anniversary.

You can find Julie’s recent reporting on East Palestine at The Allegheny Front and on WHYY’s The Pulse.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Two years after train derailment and chemical disaster in East Palestine, some residents worry about liver cancer [WHYY]


• Norfolk Southern Rail Bridges in Western Pennsylvania in Disrepair, Study Warns [Inside Climate News]


• Norfolk Southern releases designs for North Side projects to create room for double-stacked freight cars [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

Learn more about the sponsors of this February 5th episode:

The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens

Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event

Fulton Commons

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