Long said he received reports that workers were not provided with respirators, eye protection or special clothing. She also said that many employees “reported that they continued to experience migraines and nausea several days after the accident, and all suspect that they were willingly exposed to these chemicals with the help of the company.” Norfolk Southern, in a statement, disputed the claim that proper personal protective equipment was not worn at the scene, The Hill reports.
The derailment of a train in eastern Palestine carrying toxic materials has raised concerns about the potential danger to the environment and human health. Residents of the area were briefly ordered to evacuate after the accident and allowed to return to their homes a few days later. Since then, some have reported unusual symptoms, such as rashes and burning sensations when breathing.
The incident also caused a political firestorm in both the state and the country. The Biden administration, and in particular Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have been heavily criticized for their response to the crash. Norfolk Southern has also come under fire, including pulling a town hall event in eastern Palestine in mid-February, citing concerns about employee safety.
