Nearby residents suffer from skin rashes and other symptoms.

Photo: CNN

The US Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a temporary halt to removal of toxic waste in East Palestine, Ohio, where a train carrying a chemical shipment derailed.

The decision responds to the fear that contamination will spread to other areas.

And while the agency assures that the measure does not mean that the works have been completed, local residents are demanding concrete measures.

Almost a month has passed - it happened on February 3rd - since the derailment of the Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous materials derails in East Palestine, Ohio.

EPA contractors install barriers and check dams to restrict the flow of contaminated water, as well as contain and collect floating product to mitigate any potential impacts on Sulfur Run and Leslie Run creeks, they say.

Authorities issued a stay-at-home order for the entire city of approximately 5,000 people.

An evacuation order is issued for the area within a 1 mile radius of the train wreck near James Street, due to the risk of explosion.

After the derailment, the railway company decided to burn these materials, including vinyl chloride.

Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, where the incident occurred, complain that they are experiencing air and water problems, although authorities say levels are fine and there is no problem.

Yet About 3,500 fish of 12 different species have died in Ohio's waterways, says the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

In addition to some residents saying that when they returned to their homes in East Palestine, in less than half an hour they developed a skin rash and nausea.

Now, it is the animal protection agency that decides to temporarily suspend the removal of toxic waste.

(With information from Russia Today and agencies)