Residents in East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailed that transported chemical products should drink bottled waterlocal authorities recommended today, amid growing concern about the consequences of this accident on health and the environment.

On February 3, the derailment of the train had caused a huge fire and the evacuation of hundreds of people from the area. The train carried among other things vinyl chloride, a chemical carcinogen and highly flammable used in the production of plastic.

Railroad officials then proceeded with “controlled” discharges of the vinyl chloride “to prevent a possible explosion,” according to the Ohio governor’s office, releasing toxic fumes into the air.

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The air, however, is “safe,” Gov. Mike DeWine told CNN today, citing air quality tests.

But when it comes to water, “as a precaution, we told people ‘yes, use bottled water. Don’t risk it, wait until we get the test results,’” he said.

Yesterday, Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff urged residents with private wells to test their water, also recommending that area residents drink bottled water for the time being.

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On February 8, the authorities announced that residents who had left their homes could return “safely”.

However, questions are increasing regarding the consequences of the derailment and residents have expressed their concern.

About 3,500 fish are dead, according to the local Ministry of Natural Resources.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said its investigation into the cause of the derailment is continuing.

Governor DeWine promised to hold Norfolk Southern railroad company “accountable.” “He should pay for everything. They are responsible for what happened.”