Health tracking for residents affected by the East Palestine train derailment
Official title: R21-UKY East Palestine Train Derailment Health Tracking Study
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11014043 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, has affected the health of local residents, especially those experiencing symptoms like headaches and breathing problems, and it aims to work closely with the community to share findings and address their health concerns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | January 23, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,666 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES036036-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014043 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include residents of East Palestine and surrounding areas who experienced exposure to the hazardous materials from the train derailment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who live outside the affected areas or who did not experience any exposure to the hazardous materials may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health impacts on residents of East Palestine, Ohio, following a train derailment that released hazardous materials into the environment. It aims to systematically evaluate the experiences and health symptoms reported by the community, including headaches and breathing difficulties. The study will also focus on improving communication between researchers and residents to ensure that community insights are incorporated into health assessments. By engaging with local residents, the research seeks to create a structured approach to disseminate findings and address ongoing health concerns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the health effects of environmental disasters and improve community health responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on environmental disasters has shown success in understanding health impacts and improving community health outcomes, indicating that this approach is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haynes, Erin N — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Haynes, Erin N
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.