East Palestine residents on City water reporting RASHES for WEEKS.

"My doctor said don’t drink the water, obviously we are on city water, but they say everything is ok. This shit that’s going on in this town is criminal."

"My doctor said don’t drink the water, obviously we are on city water, but they say everything is ok. This shit that’s going on in this town is criminal,” said East Palestine resident Keith Richeal.

Sixty-seven days have passed since the East Palestine train derailment “controlled burn,” and residents are STILL reporting illnesses. Below are ONGOING rashes residents are developing on CITY WATER—which Gov. DeWine & EPA have declared safe. Mike DeWine’s official press release on Feb. 23rd stated, “Last week, test results confirmed that East Palestine’s municipal water was free from contaminants associated with the derailment. Out of an abundance of caution, the Ohio EPA will independently test the municipal water once a week to ensure that this water source remains clean.” 

Julie Richeal and her husband Keith Richeal both reported that they have been experiencing rashes for more than three weeks.

Julie reached said she’s had rashes on different areas of her body, including her back and breasts. While Keith reported rashes on his hands and fingers. Photos they sent Status Coup show bumpy areas, with redness and what appear to be welts and streaks on their skin.

East Palestine resident Julie Richeal reported rashes on her breasts, back, and other areas. Says she has had the symptoms for more than 3 weeks, as of April 11th.

East Palestine resident Julie Richeal reported rashes on her breasts, back, and other areas. Says she has had the symptoms for more than 3 weeks, as of April 11th.

Keith Richeal told Status Coup his doctor gave contradictory guidance: "My doctor said don’t drink the water, obviously we are on city water, but they say everything is ok. This shit that’s going on in this town is criminal."

Keith Richeal reported a rash and bumps on his hands and fingers recurring. Pictures were sent to Status Coup in early April of 2023

Keith Richeal reported a rash and bumps on his hands and fingers recurring. Pictures were sent to Status Coup in early April of 2023

Julie and Keith are not the only residents who are on East Palestine city water who have developed rashes (which doctors have diagnosed as chemical burns). Kristin Battaglia has had severe rashes on her face, legs, and feet. Read the full Substack article about Kristin Battaglia’s symptoms here. 

Status Coup will continue investigating and uncovering what the national media COVERS UP. We would like to do MORE ON-THE-GROUND coverage in East Palestine. We don’t rely on corporate money or high-dollar ad placements, we rely on viewer support. You can gain access to exclusive content and help us fund this reporting today by BECOMING A MEMBER for as low as $5 a month.