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Ohio Train Derailment and Chemical Spill Causes Health Hazards
An Ohio train derailment caused a chemical spill of vinyl chloride and butyl acetate, leading to various health hazards for humans and animals in the area.
On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, affecting 50 of the 150 cars on the train. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 20 of the cars involved were carrying hazardous materials. These cars contained multiple dangerous materials, notably 115,580 gallons of vinyl chloride. Shortly after the derailment, on February 6, 2023, officials set the vinyl chloride on fire. Components of the derailment, chemical spill, and subsequent fire have led to numerous health hazards for people in the surrounding community.
Shortly after the derailment but before the intentional fire, 1,500 residents were evacuated from the local area due to safety concerns. Residents were allowed to return three days after the evacuation when the EPA stated that no hazardous materials were detected during air monitoring. However, the appearance of health concerns after the return has caused experts to critique the EPA for not conducting a more thorough evaluation.
According to an article in the Washington Post, in addition to vinyl chloride, the hazardous materials included butyl acetate, ethyl hexyl acrylate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl. The report also notes that burning vinyl chloride releases hydrogen chloride, an acidic gas that results in severe irritant effects at low concentrations (around 100 ppm), and phosgene, which can damage the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services notes that vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen, commonly causing liver and lung cancer. Beyond being a carcinogen, this substance has been known to damage the nervous system, alter immune responses, and reduce bone strength.
The New Jersey Department of Health classifies butyl acrylate as an irritant that can burn the skin and eyes. It may also irritate the lungs if inhaled, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Finally, this compound can lead to headaches, nausea, and vomiting. The other chemical compounds in this spill can also continue to cause irritation.
Despite officials’ claims that the air and water quality surrounding the spill is safe, residents and critics are skeptical based on the health outcomes in the area. A BBC news article notes that over 3,000 fish in local creeks near the accident have died. Additionally, illness has been reported in pets, implying a risk to environmental, wildlife, and human health.
According to an article published in STAT News, residents have reported irritated eyes, skin, throats, and migraines following the derailment, indicating that the air and water quality is not as safe as the EPA and other officials have said.
As the crisis progresses and residents learn to deal with the impacts, locals are advised to report any health outcomes not present before the derailment. Meanwhile, the EPA has ordered the Norfolk Southern train company to pay for cleanup following the derailment.
