On February 3, a freight train of the Norfolk Southern Railway encountered a major mishap in East Palestine, Ohio. The train, which consisted of about 50 cars, derailed due to an overheated wheel bearing. It was carrying at least six hazardous chemicals. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities. However, two particularly dangerous chemicals, vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate, did disperse in the surrounding environment. These chemicals are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), used in a variety of industrial processes, such as plastic production. Exposure to these substances can pose significant risks to public health and the environment.
Vinyl chloride is a carcinogen known to cause cancer. This colorless gas is highly flammable. It produces hydrogen chloride and phosgene gas when burned. Exposure to vinyl chloride, even in low concentrations, can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. High concentrations can lead to severe pulmonary complications like pulmonary edema and bronchoconstriction. Industry workers exposed to vinyl chloride have been found to be at risk of hepatic fibrosis and angiosarcoma, a type of liver cancer. It is also known to react with water in the air, leading to the formation of hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide, which can contribute to global warming. There is concern that some of the chemicals spilled in the East Palestine accident may have penetrated deeper into the soil and river beds. If it is so, the forewarned outcomes may be expected in the areas nearby.
The presence of butyl acrylate in waterways following the derailment is also causing a significant concern. While it is not classified as a carcinogen, prolonged exposure to butyl acrylate can result in lung damage. Short-term exposure to the chemical can cause various symptoms, such as irritation to the nose, throat and lungs, as well as headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
Due to vinyl chloride’s flammable nature, the authorities recommended burning it under controlled conditions. This resulted in the release of fumes that could be lethal if inhaled. Therefore, individuals residing in the immediate zones were forced to evacuate for safety reasons.
Norfolk Southern later revealed that the derailed train contained more dangerous substances than previously reported. Along with vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate, the train was carrying ethylene glycol, monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, and isobutylene.
Residents of East Palestine are anxious over the lasting impacts of the toxic train wreck. They have shared their worries regarding health issues. According to reports, they have been experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, irritation of mucous membranes and headaches. The smells of leaks have been detected up to fifteen miles away from the accident scene. One of them mentioned that their son had been experiencing nosebleeds since they returned to their home near the accident site.
The locals are concerned about the quality of water after the deliberate burning of vinyl chloride, and some are skeptical of initial test results. The Norfolk Southern conducted the tests privately. However, according to an expert aquatic ecologist, these tests may not meet proper standards. The Columbiana County Health District has also conducted water tests, but the results have not been released to the public. Despite a press release from the governor’s office stating that the water is safe to drink, some residents remain wary of government and corporate testing. One local store owner reported that an air testing team came to their location on February 14, but only stayed for a few minutes due to the sickening smell in the atmosphere.
The possibility of water contamination is a valid concern. Norfolk Southern has disclosed that the burning smoke has affected the water infrastructure and surface water of several tributaries. The incident has also had an adverse effect on aquatic life, as clean water is crucial for its survival. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources estimated that around 7.5 miles of waterways were affected, and 3500 dead fish were discovered in the days following the incident.
Seepage of hazardous substances, including oil from the train, into the soil is also alarming for the inhabitants. The absorption of oil in soil halts the plant growth for various periods of time. It can result in poor yield of crops. The fear of airborne contamination has added to the public anxiety. Air quality testing after the burn-off showed increased levels of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and other VOCs. These can cause respiratory diseases in people living nearby.
A chemical plume containing butyl acrylate was moving down the Ohio River from the derailment site. It has reached the vicinity of Gallipolis, Ohio. The Ohio River is interconnected with several other parts of the country, spanning across 6 states. Water bodies in these regions are vulnerable to contamination, as already polluted water flows right into them.
The extent of the incident can be estimated from the fact that the Ohio River provides water to 3 million Americans. The leak of hazardous material and its subsequent burning has cast its impact on the river water. People’s health and the ecosystem is at risk. Therefore, the government, both state and federal, must pay heed to this far-reaching matter.
As a first step, an alternate water source for both drinking and usage is required on a priority basis. Before the water is completely free from contamination, the local government must arrange bottled water to the residents for drinking and cooking.
Secondly, the government must conduct a transparent testing of water bodies. Disjointed decisions by different water districts, with no clear guidance about intake changes, have the public distrustful of the government-published test results. Equally important is the testing of people, especially children, in order to diagnose and prevent potential diseases resulting from the disaster.
In addition to catering to the disaster, the government also needs to ensure that such man-made environmental disasters may not happen in the future. From this particular incident, a question on the brake technology of the freight train is raised. These trains must adopt a better brake technology; one which reduces its speed in less time and distance so that an aggravated mishap can be avoided. Since railways is a federal subject, therefore, the federal government is responsible to look into this matter.
Neither the president nor the transportation secretary has traveled to East Palestine, sparking backlash that the federal government did not pay enough attention to the disaster. The federal government must pay a visit to the affected areas and ensure that the affected people get all the help they need.
