While lawmakers continue to sit on their hands and pretend they don’t know railroad safety reform is necessary, a new report by The Guardian focuses on research that indicates exposure to the chemicals released in a 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine DID damage the bodies of those who were exposed.

According to The Guardian, a peer-reviewed pilot study showed some East Palestine residents’ immune systems still are “responding to toxic chemical exposures” by fighting off an attack, or repairing their bodies.

“Compared with a control group, East Palestine residents showed higher numbers of red blood cells, higher hemoglobin levels, inflammation and an increase in the number of cells the body dispatches to attack and ‘eat’ chemicals in order to remove them from the body,” The Guardian reported.

Researchers also found East Palestine residents had higher levels of proteins that work to repair tissue damage and lower counts of cells that fight infections, also suggesting a response to chemical exposure. However, being scientists and not politicians, the researchers did note it was important to understand these findings do not yet suggest individuals will develop any future illnesses or health problems. They are simply reporting the facts of what they see now.

No doubt, those who vowed they would “make it right” for the residents of East Palestine will lean on that as they and their colleagues continues to depend on their friends in Washington, D.C., to do nothing.

But the report SHOULD remind elected officials they hold people’s health and lives in their hands when they choose to avoid rail safety reform.

“This is important,” East Palestine resident Peggy Caratelli told The Guardian.

It is, indeed. It is also important for members of Congress to get back on track and pass meaningful rail safety reform, immediately.