Residents in the vicinity of East Palestine train derailment reporting sore throats, rashes and headaches WPXI Pittsburgh

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio -residents living close to East Palestine, Ohio’s East Palestine train derailment site have reported a number of health issues.

Sore throats, rashes headaches and irritated eyes are among the most frequent complains 11 News has heard from people living in and around the evacuation zone of East Palestine, Ohio and Darlington Township in Beaver County. It’s not just physical signs. The uncertainty is causing many people feeling anxious and worried about their health over the long term.

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People have also shared pictures of the rashes that they claim they’re suffering from just living at home. Some are so severe that they appear like chemical burns.

Channel 11 talked to one neighbor, Eric Cozza, who told us that his wife suffers from an autoimmune disorder and her rashes are so severe, they needed to take her to an emergency room.

Cozza is .3 miles away from the scene of the accident. He’s resided within East Palestine his entire life and claims he’s never suffered the same symptoms that he’s currently facing. He told me he doesn’t allow his pets or kids play outside because they are afraid that the soil could be polluted.

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“Headaches, non-stop headaches,” Cozza tells Channel 11. “Yesterday I visited Boardman for two hours. All my symptoms were gone. When we got home they all were back.”

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Cozza states that the symptoms are common to many of his neighbors and friends have been experiencing despite being told that their water and air are safe. He’s seen his doctor for a complete exam and bloodwork. He’s worried due to the fact that doctors don’t test for all of the chemicals that the city is facing.

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