Overview
- The NIH will distribute the funding in annual $2 million tranches to support multidisciplinary investigations into chemical exposure outcomes in East Palestine
- Research teams will assess biological markers of risk and develop public health tracking systems to document symptoms such as respiratory issues and skin rashes
- The agency has set a July 21, 2025, deadline for researchers to apply for one to three study grants
- Vice President JD Vance pushed for the research after criticizing the Biden administration’s initial derailment response, and President Donald Trump endorsed the program
- State and local leaders, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, hailed the announcement as a crucial step to address persistent health complaints and environmental contamination