WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators JD Vance (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) sent a letter to the Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA requesting the agencies provide their plans to monitor East Palestine and surrounding areas for dioxins. The letter reads, in part:
“The combustion of vinyl chloride can lead to the formation of dioxins. Dioxins are a group of compounds that are persistent environmental pollutants known to bioaccumulate in animals and humans. According to the U.S. EPA, dioxins are highly toxic, can interfere with hormones, and can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, or damage to the immune system. We are concerned [that] the burning of large volumes of vinyl chloride may have resulted in the formation of dioxins that may have been dispersed throughout the East Palestine community and potentially a much larg[er] area.”
“We urge OEPA and U.S. EPA to act immediately to coordinate and ensure regular testing and monitoring for dioxins remains a priority moving forward. This monitoring should not only be a part of a long-term strategy, it should be implemented immediately and communicated to the local community to ensure transparency.”
The Senators’ letter to to the Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA can be read here.
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