When Jessica Albright and her family returned to their home in East Palestine, Ohio after being away for four months, she immediately noticed a peculiar smell in the air. Unsure of whether the odor had diminished, Jessica couldn’t be certain of its effects or the necessary steps to ensure her family’s safety. The cause of their concern stemmed from a train derailment that occurred just half a mile away from their house back in February. The incident led to a series of health issues for the Albrights, resulting in them temporarily seeking refuge in a hotel room in Pennsylvania. However, they were forced to return home due to their dire financial situation.
Although national attention on East Palestine has faded, with the Ohio governor claiming that the air and water are safe, and the Environmental Protection Agency stating there is no evidence of contamination, the toxic cleanup efforts are far from over. Cleanup workers continue to remove substantial amounts of liquid wastewater and excavated soil from the area. In addition, independent researchers have warned of chemical contamination in nearby buildings, and hundreds of residents have reported symptoms associated with the derailment. Unfortunately, there is still limited information available on the potential long-term effects of these unknown compounds, making it impossible to accurately assess the risks.
For Jessica Albright and her family, the uncertainty of their situation not only revolves around the safety of their surroundings but also pertains to their personal well-being and future. Their once beloved home no longer feels like a safe haven, and the town itself has become divided due to internal conflicts and conspiracy theories. Jessica contemplates these matters while unpacking her toiletries, feeling a sense of displacement. She wonders what lies ahead for her family, who are currently grappling with medical, emotional, and financial challenges.
The Albright family’s home on East Main Street holds many cherished memories, having been the place where two families merged into one. It’s where Jessica raised her two daughters, Kaedance and Lainy, and where her husband, Chris, became their stepdad. When they brought their youngest daughter, Evy, home from the hospital, their family unit was complete. Life was relatively ordinary until a fateful night in February, when Lainy saw news of a fire on Snapchat. This incident forced the Albrights to evacuate and take shelter outside of their hometown.
As they left, Norfolk Southern officials grew concerned about potential hazards and authorized a controlled burn to prevent further dangers. Just two days after the fire, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declared East Palestine safe, giving residents the green light to return. Despite rumors of government cover-ups, Jessica decided to resume a sense of normalcy for her children and sent them back to school. However, it didn’t take long for health issues to arise.
Chris Albright’s visit to his doctor revealed concerning symptoms that seemed to correlate with the train derailment and chemical spill. His loss of appetite, bouts of dry heaving, vomiting, and difficulty breathing raised red flags. Meanwhile, researchers from Carnegie Mellon and Texas A&M universities detected abnormally high levels of acrolein, a chemical irritant, near the Albrights’ house. The consulting firm hired by Norfolk Southern claimed no detection of compounds in some buildings despite obvious signs of contamination, such as a strong smell. Unfortunately, the Albrights couldn’t afford private testing for their house and had to rely on the governor’s assurance that no contaminants were detected.
As the days passed, the Albrights’ symptoms persisted, and they began documenting them in a calendar. The entire family experienced various health issues, ranging from coughs and sore throats to eye irritation and headaches. Even federal workers conducting community surveys in the area fell ill with similar symptoms. Concerns escalated when Chris Albright’s x-ray and CT scan showed fluid in his lungs. With their health declining, the Albrights made the difficult decision to temporarily move into a cramped hotel room with their two dogs.
The Albrights’ story reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the residents of East Palestine. The uncertainty surrounding the long-term effects of the toxic chemicals and the lack of information available make it challenging for families like the Albrights to plan for the future. As they navigate through the physical, emotional, and financial distress caused by the derailment, they remain hopeful for a resolution and a return to normalcy.
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