Newly uncovered internal documents reveal that the Biden administration acknowledged a potential cancer risk to residents of East Palestine, Ohio, following the toxic train derailment in February 2023—despite publicly downplaying the danger.
Emails from top federal officials show growing concern within the administration over long-term health consequences from the chemical exposure. One message described the chance of a cancer cluster forming as “not zero,” referring specifically to the release and burn-off of vinyl chloride, a substance linked to cancer.
Roughly 115,000 gallons of the chemical were released after the Norfolk Southern freight train derailed and caught fire. Though federal agencies initially assured the public that air and water were safe, internal messages raised doubts about whether testing efforts were sufficient.
Critics have pointed to delays in deploying monitoring equipment and reliance on contractors connected to the rail company itself, questioning the transparency of the cleanup response. Officials also worried that public trust might erode if conflicting data came to light.
The administration later reached a $310 million settlement with Norfolk Southern to fund environmental and public health recovery efforts. However, these newly surfaced communications have reignited concerns that residents were not fully informed of the risks they faced in the critical days after the disaster.
As scrutiny intensifies, many in the affected community continue to demand clearer answers and long-term health protections.