Vinyl Chloride Released in Ohio Train Wreck: Impact on Environment and Communities

 Train Derailment in Ohio: What Happened and What's Being Done

On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing a fiery wreck that involved about 50 freight cars, ten of which carried hazardous materials. The derailment led to dead fish being found in nearby waterways and communities along the Ohio River considering their own risk of chemical exposure.

Vinyl chloride, a gas used to make plastic products such as credit cards and PVC pipes, was released and burned to prevent an explosion, releasing toxic fumes in the area. The highest levels of vinyl chloride are often found in the air near factories that produce it, and exposure to it is associated with an increased risk of rare forms of liver, brain, and lung cancers. Burning it sends toxic gases into the air, including phosgene, a toxic gas that was used as a weapon during World War I, and hydrogen chloride.

Residents within a 1-mile by 2-mile area surrounding East Palestine were ordered to evacuate on February 6 due to the hazardous fumes released from the controlled burn of vinyl chloride. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered the evacuation, which was carried out by law enforcement from both Ohio and Pennsylvania who went door-to-door to ensure any remaining residents left before the controlled release. Most residents reportedly left the area before the evacuation.

Residents were allowed to return home after officials from both Ohio and Pennsylvania, including the governors of both states, confirmed it was safe to do so. Officials with the Louisville Water Co. and Air Pollution Control District have stated that they are monitoring the situation and do not anticipate any danger to local residents, as the contaminants released from the derailment have not yet reached Louisville, and the levels of chemicals detected currently are below thresholds set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Norfolk Southern Railroad submitted a remedial action plan to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on February 14, outlining its response to the train derailment and what it plans to do next. The plan reportedly includes the installation of wells to monitor groundwater and soil sampling in the Ohio village. East Palestine officials are also testing the water supply for chemicals, and contractors with Norfolk Southern installed a dam and water bypass at Sulphur Run to prevent further contamination of downstream waters.

It is unclear how long the cleanup and remediation process will take, but officials and railroad operators are taking the situation seriously and working to address the potential impact on the environment and communities in the area. As for the residents affected by the train derailment, it's important to stay informed and to follow any guidance from local officials to ensure their safety and well-being.