WASHINGTON - Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and J.D. Vance (R-OH) are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor for dioxins in East Palestine and the surrounding area.

According to the release, vinyl chloride combustion can create dioxins, which are a group of pollutants that can accumulate and be toxic to animals and humans. Dioxins also take a long time to break down.

The U.S. EPA says dioxins are highly toxic and can interfere with hormones, cause cancer, impact reproductive health and cause damage to the immune system.

The letter to the EPA follows visits to East Palestine by both Brown and Vance.

Six questions were included in the letter:

1. Has either the OEPA and/or U.S. EPA been monitoring the air for dioxins?
   
   
2. If not, please explain why the OEPA and/or U.S. EPA has not been monitoring for dioxins.
   
   
3. Is the OEPA or U.S. EPA aware of any other entity that may be monitoring for dioxins, including Norfolk Southern?
   
   
4. Are there additional resources or authorities that OEPA or U.S. EPA needs in order to undertake regular monitoring for dioxins in East Palestine and the surrounding community?
   
   
5. Does OEPA or U.S. EPA have a system set up for members of the community and other expert stakeholders to engage in the testing and monitoring regimen following the train derailment and subsequent activities in East Palestine to ensure a thorough, comprehensive response to monitor the area for potential pollutants? If not, will you commit to establishing an appropriate protocol to ensure engagement?
   
   
6. If dioxins are detected in the region, what are OEPA’s and U.S. EPA’s respective protocols for communicating with the local community, addressing the potential contaminant(s), and protecting the local community from potential long-term exposure?

The senators asked for the EPA to respond by Friday, February 24.