Given the toxicity of these gasses and the manner in which the company handled the incident, there is every reason to be concerned. This applies even if your home has been “tested” for air quality.
Here’s why.
A recent report by The Guardian revealed how CTEH, an environmental consulting firm, was in charge of conducting air quality tests—free of charge—in the area after the incident. Eager to learn about the condition of their homes and whether they are habitable, most residents signed the forms authorizing the “testing” without much scrutiny. The team quickly conducted the test using a hand-held device, revealing that no harmful chemicals were detected in the process.
What most residents did not know is that the test results were not from a government or independent source, but rather provided by CTEH, a contractor hired by Norfolk Southern.
Furthermore, the report further suggested that, according to independent experts, the air testing results were inadequate in two ways:
First, CTEH did not detect the full range of harmful chemicals the derailment might have released. Secondly, the sampling duration was insufficient to accurately measure the levels of chemicals tested. In simpler words, the test results may not be as accurate as initially believed, putting the lives of the residents who returned to their homes in more danger.
The report also revealed that CTEH's website previously contained language that suggested the data they collected on toxic chemicals could be used to protect their clients from liability in lawsuits filed by individuals who claimed harm. So we’re probably looking at a situation where one company could be working to protect the interests of the other, and not necessarily to defend the rights of the injured.
Despite this history, CTEH has been tasked with reassuring concerned residents about health risks and has provided a positive assessment publicly. It should also be remembered that the company was responsible for developing the protocol for indoor air testing, not the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an independent federal government agency.
Additionally, CTEH, and not the government, runs a hotline that residents are directed to call if they have concerns about odors, fumes, or health issues. This could be yet another red flag.