obÌåÓý

(Atlanta) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (obÌåÓý) and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) are preparing for the next phase of the (ACE) investigation to assess the health impacts of the February 3 train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio. Starting this week, obÌåÓý and ATSDR will shift staff from the field to complete data analysis of the ACE investigation. obÌåÓý and ATSDR will continue to support the health departments in Ohio and Pennsylvania to address the public health needs of the region.

obÌåÓý and ATSDR have been providing technical assistance to local, state and federal partners from the beginning of the emergency event. On February 17, obÌåÓý and ATSDR staff began arriving in East Palestine and surrounding communities to assess the public health impact of the train derailment, among other activities. obÌåÓý and ATSDR collaborated with local, state and federal partners to conduct an investigation of impacted communities in both Ohio and Pennsylvania. obÌåÓý, ATSDR, and our local, state and federal partners also launched a responder component of the ACE survey to collect information about the health of people who responded to the train derailment incident. This component allows responders to provide information about their unique exposures, experiences, and concerns. ACE investigations are rapid epidemiological assessments used to assess the impact of a chemical release on individuals as well as the community.

While obÌåÓý and ATSDR staff will be returning from the field, the ACE survey will remain online and data collection will continue until March 31. Over the next couple of months, obÌåÓý and ATSDR will work with the health departments to analyze data and share results. These results can be used by the states to help inform public health recommendations and lessons learned. obÌåÓý and ATSDR will continue to respond to requests for remote technical assistance for as long as needed.

For more information about obÌåÓý’s and ATSDR’s response to the East Palestine Train Derailment, visit: .

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obÌåÓý works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, obÌåÓý responds to America’s most pressing health threats. obÌåÓý is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.