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  • What’s the difference between short-term and long-term chemical exposure levels?

    Acute or short-term exposure assumes that a person has been exposed to a chemical for a short period of time. Long term, also known as chronic, exposure assumes a person has been constantly exposed to a chemical for a lifetime, or approximately 70 years.

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  • Is our East Palestine City Park safe for activities?

    Yes. Results show that levels of dioxin and semi-volatile organic compounds are well below any levels that we would consider restricting activities, and all are either at or below typical background levels for soil in the United States. In addition, the village has cleaned all recreational equipment, including the pool…

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  • What is being done to control dust?

    Norfolk Southern contractors use engineering controls to reduce dust generated from cleanup activities and disturbed soil surfaces. All contaminated material leaving the derailment site is secured and tarped, and all contaminated material on site is tarped nightly. Trucks are decontaminated before they leave the site, and large water trucks are…

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  • Does EPA’s announcement of June 18, 2010 modify the Lead Renovation Repair and Painting Rule’s requirements that contractors use lead-safe work practices when working in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities?

    Answer: This announcement does not change the requirement that all contractors take steps to protect children and families from the dangers of lead poisoning by becoming certified and following the work practice standards and the associated recordkeeping requirements. As of April 22, 2010 all contractors have been required to be…

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  • How does the June 18, 2010 announcement impact renovators in states that have adopted their own RRP programs?

    Answer: If you work in a state authorized by EPA to run their own renovation program, you should contact them for information on their certification requirements. If you work in a state where EPA administers the renovation program your firm needs to be certified by EPA. Please refer to the…

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  • Thousands of renovators are already trained and their firms are EPA certified. Will EPA enforce against renovators who did not receive their training certification before December 31, 2010?

    It is most important that all contractors follow the RRP work practice standards. However, EPA is providing additional time for renovation firms and workers to obtain the necessary training and certifications before the enforcement of the firm certification and individual renovator requirements begins. Therefore, renovators who have not been able…

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  • Can I grow a garden at home or plant crops?

    Yes. You can continue to use your land as you normally would. Residential soil sampling results are within typical ranges for the area. Follow normal measures like peeling root vegetables and washing leafy greens.

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  • What are the terms used to describe the length of exposure to substances?

    Acute exposure is any contact with a substance that occurs once or for up to 14 days. Intermediate exposure is contact occurring for more than 14 days but less than one year. Chronic exposure is contact occurring for longer than one year.

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  • Can smoke from the Canadian wildfires cause health concerns?

    Most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from smoke exposure and will not have long-lasting health effects. But people with chronic diseases, such as asthma, other lung disease, or cardiovascular disease are at greater risk of experiencing more severe health effects. Children, pregnant people, and people over 65 also…

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  • Can I plant my vegetable garden and/or farm field?

    There is no reason to believe that the particles in the smoke produced from the train derailment fire contain substances at levels of concern on residential, recreational, or agricultural properties. As an extra step, EPA is directing that soil sampling be conducted in areas most impacted by smoke and particles…

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  • Can we use our football field? What about cross country running?

    In addition to our overall guidance about soil use and safety, part of the soil sampling plan has been targeted toward recreational sites. If any results indicate a concern, the public will be informed. At this point, there are no concerns with outdoor activities or sports, except for inside Sulfur…

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  • Should I get tested?

    We have heard residents’ concerns about potential exposure to vinyl chloride. EPA air monitoring data results show vinyl chloride below levels of health concerns. Available biological tests do not accurately assess exposure to vinyl chloride at levels present from this incident.

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  • Can I use the East Palestine City Park?

    Yes. Results show that levels of dioxin and semi-volatile organic compounds are well below any levels that we would consider restricting activities, and all are either at or below typical background levels for soil in the United States. In addition, the village has cleaned all recreational equipment, including the pool…

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  • What else can cause urine to test positive for thiodiglycolic acid?

    Thiodiglycolic acid is commonly found in general populations who have not been exposed to vinyl chloride. Some sources can include: Certain foods including raw onions, meat, poultry, and seafood. Some medications, including Zyrtec, and vitamins. Alcoholic beverages. Smoke, including from wood fireplaces, cooking, and cigarettes. Some household products including paints…

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  • If I get a urine test for vinyl chloride, what does that indicate?

    Urine tests show the level of thiodiglycolic acid–a break-down product of vinyl chloride. A complete lab report will show your thiodiglyocolic acid results compared to the normal range commonly found in people in the United States. But this test does not reliably indicate exposure to vinyl chloride. There are several…

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