Measuring DNA damage in residents exposed to a train derailment in East Palestine

Healthy Futures Research Study: Linking Somatic Mutation Rate With Baseline Exposure in East Palestine

Not applicable Interventional Case Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT06357845

This study is trying to see if living near a train derailment in East Palestine has caused DNA damage in local residents by looking at their health and collecting samples like blood and hair.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCase Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06357845 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the biological impact of chemical exposure resulting from a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, by measuring somatic mutation rates in residents. Participants will complete surveys regarding their health experiences and may provide biological specimens such as blood and hair for analysis. The research will explore the relationship between DNA damage and factors like proximity to the derailment and individual health histories. The study seeks to establish a cohort for ongoing research into the long-term health effects of environmental exposure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are residents who lived in specific counties during the time of the train derailment and are currently residing in the United States.

Not a fit: Patients who did not reside in the specified counties during the derailment or who provide invalid addresses will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical insights into the health impacts of environmental disasters on affected communities.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on environmental exposure and health impacts are common, this specific approach to linking somatic mutation rates with exposure from a recent incident is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Somatic MutationEast PalestineTrain DerailmentHealthy Futures Research StudyEnvironmental Impact
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.