ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) - - Nearly three weeks after a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio a lot of questions linger. Residents of Upstate, New York have nothing to worry about with their health regarding the chemical spill earlier this month. 

“However, because the lifetime of those chemicals are short. The impact on the larger areas beyond Ohio, Pennsylvania, that is likely to be small,” said Chemical Engineering Professor Zhang at Cornell University.  

Chemicals have a variety of life spans. More often than not it is nothing to concern yourself about.  

“Almost all chemicals, have relatively short lifetime. So, they will not accumulate in the air,” said Professor Zhang. 

Effects can go beyond the human body when a mass amounts of toxic chemicals come into residential areas. The larger effect from the 11 of 20 train car derailment is East Palestine local residents' health.  

“All of the residents in the nearby area are effected by the respiratory effects, but also the water,” said Professor Zhang. 

Zhang noted if you are having residents who do experiences symptoms like: headaches, asthma attacks, or other breathing problems should contact their doctor.