Biological ImpactLinking Somatic Mutation Rate With Baseline Exposure in East Palestine

Eligible residents must be adult participants from Columbiana County, Ohio, Mahoning County, Ohio, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, or Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.

Participants will complete a brief web-based survey asking about their experiences related to the February 3, 2023 train derailment, health experiences and concerns following the derailment, and background information regarding their health history. The survey will last approximately 15 minutes.

Participants may possibly contribute biospecimens such as blood, spit, hair, and/or toenail clippings. Participants will be asked which samples they are interested in providing. Participants will receive a specific sample collection kit based on their selection. For blood samples, participants will receive a mailed collection kit at their mailing address. A member of the research team will reach out to schedule blood sample collection, which may take place at home with a trained phlebotomist or at a designated collection site. A total of 1-2 teaspoons of blood (5-10 milliliters) will be collected at a one-time blood draw. For either saliva, hair, and/or toenail clippings, participants will be sent a sample collection kit and receive instructions at their mailing address. This kit also includes a return mailing envelope. Participants will provide the selected samples in the collection kits, place them in the return mailing envelope, and send them back to the research team.

By consenting to participate in this study, the research team will send updates about the research results and any additional study opportunities to participants.

A total of 40 study participants will be recruited to participate in a 90-minute interview with open-ended questions. The interviews will be video and audio-recorded.