INDEPENDENT TESTING RAISES CONCERNS FOLLOWING BRENT INDUSTRIES EXPLOSION

Independent environmental testing following the deadly fire and explosions at the former Brent Industries facility has raised concerns about possible public exposure to contaminants.

Nearly two months after the incident, residents attended a town hall Thursday night seeking more information about potential health risks.

Environmental testing expert Scott Smith presented initial results from soot, ash and soil samples. Smith said two contaminants were detected above Environmental Protection Agency cancer-screening thresholds, with one result measuring approximately eight times higher than the screening level.

The EPA and the City of Toledo have maintained that the site does not present a public hazard.

Smith previously conducted independent testing following the East Palestine train derailment.