Washington (AFP) - Renowned American activist Erin Brockovich launched a blistering critique Thursday of the handling of a toxic train derailment in Ohio, branding it a "classic cover up" of an environmental "disaster."
The US Environmental Protection Agency announced on the same day that it would ask the railroad to conduct tests in the area for highly toxic pollutants known as dioxins.
The derailment of the Norfolk Southern train one month ago in the town of East Palestine caused a massive fire and prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents.
The train was carrying dangerous substances including vinyl chloride, a carcinogenic and highly flammable chemical used in plastics manufacturing.
US authorities have promised a full investigation and ordered Norfolk Southern to pay for the cleanup, but since authorities conducted a controlled release of the toxic vinyl chloride to avoid a possible explosion, residents' fears have swelled over possible contamination of their air, soil and water.
"They are so afraid. They get so many mixed messages," Brockovich said of local residents during a visit to East Palestine, her second in less than a week.
"It's a classic cover-up in an environmental disaster," she told reporters. "Something is not right here."
Later at a public meeting with residents Brockovich said she was "stunned" to hear of some of the health problems they were facing.
The gathering with East Palestine residents was intended to inform the community about how they could take legal action against Norfolk Southern, according to organizers.
Since the derailment some residents claim to have experienced symptoms including headaches and skin rashes.
To address the concerns, the EPA will require Norfolk Southern to test for dioxin levels, even though the agency says its analysis indicates the likelihood of the pollutants being present following the accident is low.
The Biden administration has been criticized, particularly by Republican opposition, for its handling of the derailment.
Brockovich's battle against a major American corporation accused of covering up groundwater contamination was brought to the screen in 2000 by director Steven Soderbergh.
The film which bears her name features Julia Roberts in the title role, for which she won an Oscar.
