In a toxic world, pets could be vital health watchdogs

A better understanding of how pollution affects pets could benefit humans

- EMILY ANTHES

ON A FRIGID February night in 2023,a freight train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio.

For days, the train’s hazardous contents spilled into the surrounding soil, water and air. It was an environmental and publichealth catastrophe, and efforts are underway to monitor the long-term health effects on the people of east Palestine.