The National Institutes of Health (NIH) today announced the launch of a five-year, $10 million research program to study the long-term health effects of the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The initiative, backed by Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., marks the first large-scale federal effort focused on the health outcomes of the incident.
Secretary Kennedy thanked Vice President Vance for his role in pushing the initiative forward. “You helped bring about the first multi-year federal study into the health effects of the East Palestine disaster,” he said. “The residents deserve science-based answers about the impact on their health.”
Vice President Vance, who was a senator at the time of the derailment, criticized the previous administration’s response. “It was frustrating watching the Biden administration ignore the serious health concerns of East Palestine residents,” he said. “This new research will finally deliver the answers this community has needed. I’m proud to support it, and I thank Secretary Kennedy and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya for their leadership.”
The derailment occurred on February 3, 2023, when 38 Norfolk Southern freight cars carrying hazardous materials—including vinyl chloride, benzene residue, and other toxic chemicals—overturned in East Palestine. Fires burned for more than two days, and controlled burns were later conducted by emergency crews. These burns released dangerous gases into the air, including hydrogen chloride and phosgene, sparking widespread health concerns.
After the incident, residents reported symptoms such as headaches and irritations of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Fears grew over possible long-term impacts on mental health, the immune system, respiratory and cardiovascular functions, and risks to pregnant women and children.
Director Bhattacharya emphasized the NIH’s commitment to listening to the community and providing support. “This research will track the community’s health and help guide medical decisions and preventive actions,” he said.
The initiative will include several components:
- Long-term studies to track how chemical exposure affects health over time, including biological markers of disease risk.
- Public health monitoring to help guide care and prevention efforts.
- Communication between researchers, participants, local leaders, health care workers, and government agencies to ensure community needs are addressed.
The NIH released technical information and application details today. Grants will be awarded for a range of studies and outreach programs. The deadline for research proposals is July 21, with projects expected to begin in the fall.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine welcomed the news, calling the funding a step toward peace of mind for residents. “People deserve to know if there are long-term health risks, and now they will,” he said, thanking President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Secretary Kennedy.
Several Ohio officials also voiced their support, sharply criticizing the Biden administration for its handling of the disaster. Senator Bernie Moreno said President Trump and his team were “finally bringing justice” to East Palestine. Senator Jon Husted said the new initiative offers much-needed transparency and support for recovery.
Representative Mike Rulli praised the administration for prioritizing the health of Ohioans. “Unlike the Biden Administration, which ignored this crisis, this administration is delivering real help,” he said.
Representative Dave Joyce added that the research program would play a key role in protecting the long-term well-being of residents. He also expressed support for his proposed East Palestine Health Impact Monitoring Act, which seeks to build on the NIH initiative.
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