Residents Raise Concerns Over Suppressed Contamination Data in East Palestine

Following the 2023 train derailment and burning of vinyl chloride in East Palestine, Ohio, exposure-warnings expert Stephen Petty tested soil and water. Hired by class-action attorneys, Petty discovered carcinogens in alarming levels. However, these findings were not released to the public, raising questions and concerns among residents.

Contamination Concerns

Petty found carcinogens such as dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) above screening levels. According to Petty, data indicated that 50%-70% of samples surpassed cancer-screening levels set by the EPA. This calls for further analysis and potential remediation efforts.

Independent expert Scott Smith confirmed similar findings, highlighting elevated dioxin levels. Both Petty and Smith have disclosed this information as whistleblowers through the Government Accountability Project, expressing concern over withheld data.

Communications with Attorneys

Residents involved in a class-action lawsuit heard conflicting information from their attorneys. East Palestine residents, like Beth Kosar, found Petty’s results were kept secret to prevent affecting the settlement outcome. Linda Murphy received assurances that contamination levels wouldn’t cause long-term health risks, but was provided an audio recording indicating otherwise.

Austin Druckenbrod shared that attorneys dismissed expert findings from Petty and Smith, urging skeptics to disbelieve them. NewsNation obtained evidence backing up Druckenbrod’s account.

Expert Video and New Legal Actions

Attorneys did not share Petty’s results with residents but commissioned a video with toxicologist Dr. Arch “Chip” Carson. In it, Dr. Carson downplayed health risks from the exposure in East Palestine, contradicting findings.

Now, attorney Mindy Bish represents residents wishing to withdraw from the settlement. Bish believes that concealment and misinformation were at play, leading nearly 90 residents to seek rescission over alleged misrepresentations. A judge previously denied reopening the settlement, but appeals are ongoing.

Looking Ahead

Residents like Druckenbrod feel misled and intend to hold responsible parties accountable. With ongoing legal proceedings, questions about transparency and environmental safety in East Palestine continue to unfold.