Train derailment in Ohio leads to toxic chemical scares, evacuation orders, and federal investigation.
On February 3, a train derailment in the village of East Palestine in Ohio caused a toxic chemical scare, evacuation orders, and a federal investigation. The incident involved a 150-car Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous chemicals and other materials, including vinyl chloride, a toxic flammable gas used to produce PVC plastic and vinyl products.
The incident caused a massive fire, leading to thick smoke that rose above the town, alarming Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who feared an explosion could occur. The severity of the situation prompted evacuation orders for the safety of residents. Local and federal officials were immediately called to investigate the matter. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Environmental Protection Agency assessed the derailment's damage.
Evacuation orders and controlled release of toxic fumes
A train carrying hazardous chemicals and combustible materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing concern for the safety of the town's residents. The Norfolk Southern train was pulling at least five tanker cars containing vinyl chloride, a toxic flammable gas used to produce PVC plastic and vinyl products. Although the vehicles carrying vinyl chloride were not breached during the crash, they were at risk of exploding. To prevent a potential disaster, Norfolk Southern crews released and burned their contents on February 6, creating a massive smoke plume above the town for several hours.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the chemical spill resulting from the derailment killed an estimated 3,500 small fish across 7½ miles of streams as of Wednesday. The incident is currently under investigation by local and federal officials, including the National Transportation Safety Board and the Environmental Protection Agency, to determine the cause of the derailment and to assess the damage caused by the spill.
Investigations and potential exposure risks
Residents in East Palestine returned home after the controlled burn but reported experiencing symptoms like headaches, nausea, and foul smells. Fear of chemical exposure persists among those living near the derailment site.
Acute exposure to vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen, can harm the central nervous system, while chronic exposure can lead to liver damage and rare cancer. Burning vinyl chloride can also release poisonous gases like hydrogen chloride and phosgene. Footage prior to the derailment showed sparks or flames under one of the train cars carrying materials from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania.
Local and federal officials are investigating the incident, including the National Transportation Safety Board and the Environmental Protection Agency.
EPA monitoring and testing
The EPA has reported that no concerning levels of pollutants have been detected in the air since the fire was extinguished. However, in a letter to Norfolk Southern, they stated that the chemicals from the train continue to be released into the air, surface soils, and surface waters.
Ohio officials allowed residents to return home on Wednesday after air quality samples showed readings below safety screening levels for contaminants of concern. The EPA cautioned that lingering odors could persist in the area but noted that the byproducts of vinyl chloride might produce smells at levels that are not considered hazardous.
Conclusion
The East Palestine train derailment resulted in a toxic chemical scare, leading to evacuation orders and a federal investigation. Norfolk Southern officials have released and burned the contents of the cars carrying vinyl chloride to prevent a possible explosion.
While residents are allowed to return to their homes, some have reported symptoms of exposure, and the EPA continues to monitor the situation. The incident highlights the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials and the importance of strict safety protocols to prevent similar events from happening in the future.