Just days before the one-year anniversary of the massive train derailment that shook the village of East Palestine, concerns about air quality and health risks linger among residents. Jess Conard, a local mother and resident, has become an outspoken clean air activist in response to the aftermath of the derailment. Living just 2 miles from the crash site, Conard has experienced firsthand the impact of the incident on her family’s health and well-being.
Conard, who now serves as the Appalachia director for Beyond Plastics, has been advocating for stricter regulations and environmental protection measures. She is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban vinyl chloride, a toxic chemical commonly found in PVC plastics. According to Conard, safer alternatives already exist for products made from vinyl chloride, making the ban a feasible and necessary step towards preventing future tragedies.
In light of the upcoming one-year anniversary, President Biden has announced plans to visit East Palestine to address the concerns raised by the incident. Although an exact date has not been announced, the President’s visit highlights the significance of the derailment and the need for a comprehensive response to ensure the safety and well-being of communities living near train tracks.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s findings revealed that the accident was preventable, raising further concerns about the potential health risks faced by residents in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, who live within one mile of a train track. Jess Conard believes that a shift away from the use of toxic chemicals is not only possible but crucial to safeguarding communities from similar incidents in the future.
We have so much opportunity to take a 180-degree turn away from using these toxic chemicals, Conard stated. If we don’t purchase them, if we don’t produce them, then we can prevent tragedies like East Palestine from happening in other spaces.
Residents like Conard continue to face uncertainties regarding the long-term impacts of the chemicals released during the derailment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive medical monitoring and assessments. Concerns persist regarding air quality and potential health issues, with residents reliant on bottled water and other precautionary measures to protect themselves.
As the one-year anniversary approaches, the community of East Palestine stands united in demanding transparency, accountability, and stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents from happening again. The visit by President Biden signifies the significance of the issue and brings hope for a comprehensive response to address the concerns of those affected.
It is clear that the aftermath of the train derailment has sparked a dedicated clean air activist in Jess Conard and a renewed determination among residents to push for change. The quest for clean air and a safer environment continues as East Palestine seeks justice and a brighter, healthier future for all its residents.
