Here are some online resources for information on Ohio train derailment

In the wake of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and the controlled burn of hazardous chemicals following that, many people are concerned about the health and environmental impact of the incident.

The Norfolk Southern train was carrying hazardous chemicals when it derailed on Feb. 3, causing a fire that burned for three days before the company’s emergency team started a controlled burn of five tanks of vinyl chloride to avoid an explosion.

Vinyl chloride, phosgene and hydrogen chloride are associated with various health risks, including cancers, respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems and skin irritation.

The site of the crash is on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.

Both Ohio and Pennsylvania residents that live close to the site were evacuated for several days.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said it will be taking independent samples from Norfolk Southern sampling sites for examination, as well as taking independent water samples in Pennsylvania within a 2-mile radius of the derailment site.

“There are not likely to be long-term impacts to ground or surface waters in Pennsylvania from the derailment,” DEP said in an update posted on its website. “A basic groundwater evaluation shows that groundwater near the derailment site flows westward and would not carry any possible contaminants from the site towards groundwater wells in Pennsylvania.

Allegheny County officials have said the county’s air quality hasn’t been affected by the derailment but they will continue to monitor the situation.

Here is a list of places to keep track of air and water quality.

• Click here for information from the on-Site Coordinator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

• The EPA also has this site that allows you to check out air quality and certain pollutants based on your location.
• The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection also has a page dedicated to updates on the derailment.
• The Allegheny Health Department’s air quality program is working with state and federal partners “to monitor the situation and provide relevant updates to residents, if needed.”