Clinical Trial Details
— Status: Not yet recruiting
Administrative data
NCT number |
NCT06357845 |
Other study ID # |
CASE5Z24 |
Secondary ID |
1R21ES036031-01 |
Status |
Not yet recruiting |
Phase |
N/A
|
First received |
|
Last updated |
|
Start date |
July 1, 2024 |
Est. completion date |
January 31, 2026 |
Study information
Verified date |
June 2024 |
Source |
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center |
Contact |
Fredrick R Schumacher, PhD |
Phone |
216-368-0351 |
Email |
healthyfutures[@]case.edu |
Is FDA regulated |
No |
Health authority |
|
Study type |
Interventional
|
Clinical Trial 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, surface soil, and surface waters.
Although the EPA failed to detect contaminants at concerning levels for human health in the
East Palestine region on February 12, East Palestine residents with private wells were
recommended to use bottled water only four days later, and subsequent testing has detected
elevated chemical levels in the region. The EPA instructed Norfolk Southern to expand testing
and include dioxin testing on March 2. Four days later seven members of a 15-person CDC/ATSDR
team reported sore throats, headaches, coughing and nausea after conducting Assessment of
Chemical Exposure (ACE) surveys. The inconsistent messaging from the EPA and other
governmental agencies have frustrated East Palestine and surrounding community (EPSC)
residents, and generated concerns regarding long-term health effects.
This study has several aims:
- Establish the Healthy Futures Pilot Cohort utilizing a community-engaged research
approach
- Compare genotoxicity levels arising from chemical exposure by geographical proximity and
direction from the train derailment epicenter utilizing the somatic mutation rate in DNA
among residents
- Understand experiences during and post-disaster with respect to effects on quality of
life, perceived stressors, future prospects, and overall health-and how acute disasters
shape risk perception, coping strategies, and access to health-protective resources
through semi-structured interviews.