NIH shells out $10 million to research health effects of 2023 train disaster in East Palestine

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will shell out $10 million over the next five years researching the long-term health ramifications of the 2023 train derailment that unleashed toxic chemicals into East Palestine, Ohio.

Vice President JD Vance, who was a freshman senator from the Buckeye State at the time, had pushed for more long-term research to better understand the health consequences of the spill, including on children.

“As a senator, it was incredibly frustrating watching the Biden administration refuse to examine the potentially dangerous health impacts on the people of East Palestine following the train derailment,” Vance said. 

“I’m proud that we finally have a new president that takes the concerns of everyday, working-class people seriously. This historic research initiative will finally result in answers that this community deserves.”

The research will entail a multi-disciplinary series of studies that will assess the biological markers of risk on the victims of the spill, establish stronger public health tracking and surveillance in the community, and ensure “well-coordinated communications” between researchers, per an announcement.

NIH is eyeing 1-3 awards for the research and has given experts a deadline of July 21, 2025, to apply for funding to study the chemical spill-ravaged community.

Officials plan to deliver the $10 million funding in tranches of $2 million a year over the next five years.

“NIH is working to ensure that the people of East Palestine and the surrounding communities are listened to, cared for, and get the answers they deserve,” NIH director Jay Bhattacharya explained. 

“This multi-disciplinary research program will focus on public health tracking and surveillance of the community’s health conditions to support health care decisions and preventive measures.”

On Feb. 3, 2023, a 38-car-long Norfolk Southern freight train derailed transporting hazardous chemicals such as vinyl chloride, benzene residue, butyl acrylate and more, leading to those toxic chemicals igniting.

Authorities attempted to mitigate the damage through controlled burns, which led to a big explosion, and further catalyzed the release of the hazardous substances into the nearby air, soil and water, wreaking havoc on East Palestine.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stressed that “the people of East Palestine have a right to clear, science-backed answers about the impact on their health.”

Local officials roundly praised the announcement as a welcome step to help the Ohio community of about 4,700 better track and address health repercussions from the hazardous spill.

“This funding will enable the people of East Palestine to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that any potential for long-term health effects will be studied,” Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said in a statement.