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Posted: 2023-02-17T23:30:16Z | Updated: 2023-02-17T23:30:16Z

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) A plume of chemicals that spilled into the Ohio River after a fiery train derailment has broken up and is no longer a concern, Ohios governor said Friday. But worries remain near the disaster site among residents who have complained about lingering headaches and irritated eyes.

Despite repeated assurances that air and water testing has shown no signs of contaminants, some around East Palestine, along the Pennsylvania state line, are still skeptical and afraid to return to their homes.

Early next week, the state plans to open a medical clinic in the village to evaluate those who are worried and analyze their symptoms, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced. The clinic will include a team of experts in chemical exposures that is being deployed to eastern Ohio.

These are very legitimate questions, and residents deserve an answer, DeWine said while also emphasizing that testing inside and outside of homes in the village have no found no signs of toxins that were on the train.

Were doing absolutely everything we can to assure residents to what the situation is, he said. I understand people have been traumatized. I understand skepticism.

Nick Patrone, who lives four miles outside the village, said there is definitely an irritant in the air.

You feel it, he said. A lot of my friends have children who have rashes that are unexplained all over their bodies. They have sore throats, they have congestion, they have ear irritation.