A train traveling from Pennsylvania to Illinois derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, in early February while carrying hazardous materials. This caused concern among local residents and environmentalists as around 2,000 people living in the area had to be evacuated because chemicals were released.
Officials are especially concerned about the release of vinyl chloride. The chemical, which is highly flammable, has been linked to several different types of cancers. Residents have already documented short term effects of the chemical including drowsiness, nausea, and burning sensation in the eyes.
A mandatory evacuation occurred and citizens who refused to leave were threatened to be arrested. Evacuees have now returned to their homes, but concerns are still high for the residents as the effects of the lingering chemicals in the air, water and soil are unknown. Officials are telling residents to drink only bottled water. Investigations on the possible long-term environmental impacts of the derailment are also on-going.
The spill contaminated 1.1 million gallons of water in addition to at least 15,000 pounds of soil as of Feb. 21 – and the environmental impact does not end there. Dead fish have begun appearing on the surface of the Ohio River, surrounded by an oily, iridescent sheen on the water. The water pollution has also endangered amphibian species, and a federal investigation opened to track the chemical exposure. Ohio senators J.D. Vance and Sherrod Brown requested the state and federal EPAs begin testing for dioxins – highly toxic pollutants that take several years to break down in the environment.
While officials are concerned with ensuring an immediate response to protect the environment, it is also crucial to hold those responsible for the derailment accountable. At least six lawsuits have been filed against the Norfolk Southern Corporation, claiming negligence and seeking payment for property damage, economic loss suffered by business owners and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
While immediate negative effects are apparent, it will be difficult to understand the full impact this derailment has had until the long-term effects of the exposure are fully understood.