Two weeks after a train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, questions loom about the public’s health.
JMN was contacted by a group of first responders dispatched to the Ohio crisis as they worry about their health down the road.
An Ohio State Patrolman, who has asked to remain anonymous, said him and many of his fellow troopers are dealing with illness right now.
“We were sent there with no information and no personal protection equipment,” the trooper said. “Many of us were exposed to the contaminated air particles and have been dealing with some illness since.”
He stated that concerns have been brought to the attention of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, but nothing has been done.
“The Highway Patrol is doing nothing to address the concerns units have in regards to the exposure.”
The symptoms some are facing include respiratory infections to headaches.
He asked JMN if we can ask these questions at press briefings because he just wants to make sure first responders are not forgotten about.
“I’m not sure if you can inquire at these press conferences about what’s going to be done about making sure first responders are taken care of in the upcoming years,” he added.
The big concern amongst first responders is that they’ll see some of the life-long impacts like the heroes who responded to 9/11 in New York City in 2001.
“Many of us are concerned that it’s going to play out how 9/11 first responders got sick with cancer,” the trooper added.