Smoke rises from a derailed cargo train in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 4.

Dustin Franz/AFP via Getty Images

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Dustin Franz/AFP via Getty Images

Smoke rises from a derailed cargo train in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 4.

Dustin Franz/AFP via Getty Images

Health and environmental concerns are mounting in East Palestine, Ohio, after several derailed train cars released toxic fumes last week.

On Feb. 3, about 50 cars of a Norfolk Southern train went off track in Ohio, causing a days-long fire in the area. Ten of the 50 derailed cars contained hazardous chemicals including butyl acrylate and vinyl chloride, which were among combustible liquids that authorities feared could set off a major explosion.

Residents of East Palestine were later asked to evacuate out of precaution. On Monday, Feb. 6, crews conducted what officials called a “controlled release” of the hazardous chemicals, which caused a large plume of black smoke.

The evacuation order was lifted on Wednesday and since then, there have been a growing number of reports about people experiencing a burning sensation in their eyes, animals falling ill and a strong odor lingering in the town.

Some business owners and East Palestine residents have filed lawsuits against Norfolk Southern, saying the company was negligent and demanding the company fund court-supervised medical screenings for serious illnesses that may be caused by exposure to those chemicals.

Air quality continues to be monitored indoors and outdoors

Local officials have insisted that the air is safe to breathe and the water is safe to drink in East Palestine.

The Environmental Protection Agency, which has been monitoring the air quality, said it has not detected “any levels of concern” in East Palestine as of Sunday.

The agency added that vinyl chloride and h