Healthy Futures Research Study: Linking Somatic Mutation Rate With Baseline Exposure in East Palestine
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Summary
The goal of this study is to This research team is conducting this study to develop methods to measure the biological impact of exposure to the chemicals released following the February 3, 2023 train derailment on residents of East Palestine, Ohio, and surrounding communities. The main question it aims to answer is: * What biological impact will be measured based on DNA damage? * In participants who provide a biospecimen, how are biomarker changes related to proximity to the derailment and variations in residents' health histories and behaviors? Participants will: * Complete a brief survey asking about experiences related to the February 3, 2023 train derailment, health experiences, and concerns following the derailment, and background information regarding health history. * Possibly contribute biospecimens such as blood, spit, hair, and/or toenail clippings. * Receive communication about study updates and future research opportunities. * A total of 40 study participants will be recruited to participate in a 90-minute interview. The interviews will be video and audio recorded.
Description
On February 3, 2023, at 8:55 pm EST, over 30 train cars from a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in the village of East Palestine, Ohio. In a few hours, residents within a 1- mile radius were ordered to evacuate, followed by several shelter-in-place orders. By February 6, the evacuation zone was expanded, and a controlled burn was implemented in the hopes of preventing an explosion. A week later, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether were released into the air, surf…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Residence on February 3rd, 2023 in Columbiana County, Ohio, Mahoning County, Ohio, Beaver County, PA, or Lawrence County, PA. * Current residence in the United States. Exclusion Criteria: * Address provided for February 3rd, 2023 not in Columbiana County, Ohio, Mahoning County, Ohio, Beaver County, PA, or Lawrence County, PA * Invalid address provided for February 3rd, 2023 residence.
Interventions
- OtherSurvey
Participants will complete a brief web-based survey asking about their experiences related to the February 3, 2023 train derailment, health experiences and concerns following the derailment, and background information regarding their health history. The survey will last approximately 15 minutes.
- OtherBiological specimen collection
Participants may possibly contribute biospecimens such as blood, spit, hair, and/or toenail clippings. Participants will be asked which samples they are interested in providing. Participants will receive a specific sample collection kit based on their selection. For blood samples, participants will receive a mailed collection kit at their mailing address. A member of the research team will reach out to schedule blood sample collection, which may take place at home with a trained phlebotomist or at a designated collection site. A total of 1-2 teaspoons of blood (5-10 milliliters) will be collected at a one-time blood draw. For either saliva, hair, and/or toenail clippings, participants will be sent a sample collection kit and receive instructions at their mailing address. This kit also includes a return mailing envelope. Participants will provide the selected samples in the collection kits, place them in the return mailing envelope, and send them back to the research team.
- OtherCommunications about study updates and future research opportunities
By consenting to participate in this study, the research team will send updates about the research results and any additional study opportunities to participants.
- Other
Location
- Case Western Reserve University, Case Comprehensive Cancer CenterCleveland, Ohio