As this state of emergency continues in East Palestine after a train derailment that contained thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals the biggest question on residents minds is when can they go home?
 
But they're fearful asking is it safe to go home?
 
Officials say they are working to find that out by conducting additional testing within the one mile no go zone.
 
Folks forced to flee homes as flames filled the night sky, and a cloud of burning chemicals engulfed train tracks around ground zero where a Norfolk Southern Train Derailed are being asked to remain patient for more testing in exclusion zones or the one mile no go zone.
 
"We had an incredibly productive day. We have had field teams doing testing and will review samples in the morning. Hopefully we will have some good news tomorrow morning,"
Columbiana EMA Director Peggy Clark said.
 
Agencies used protection suits first the highest level of protection but have scaled downwards with suits with lower protection as test results come back showing lower levels.
 
They have conducted additional monitoring at the East Palestine Municipal Building, Fire and Police Departments.
 
They are testing for byproducts of potentially cancer causing vinyl chloride, that when burned off or during a controlled explosion turns into toxic hydrochloric acid and Phosgene. 
 
Phosgene is a toxic gas that killed around 140,000 troops during WWI. It is still used by terrorists groups as a chemical weapon.
 
Phosgene dissipates in many instances within 48 hours when exposed to sunlight. But hugs the ground, basements and inside buildings so testing continues in homes and buildings to see if they might be safe to occupy.
 
The chemicals are even more of a concern for children, pregnant women, and people with respiratory problems. 
 
That's why officials have established a return safe home plan that they're following.
 
"Based on the date we will be making it optional for people who want their homes scanned to take readings inside their homes. 
At this time we don't know what decontamination or cleaning will be needed until that happens," U.S. EPA James Justice said.