Photo courtesy of Unsplash
On February 3, 2023, in East Palestine Ohio, a Norfolk Southern train derailed causing 50 freight cars to release deadly hazardous materials into the air and a massive fire. Evacuations forced people in the small community from their homes, due to fears of a deadly explosion from the volatility of the chemicals released from the freight cars. Among the chemicals released was a deadly carcinogen known to cause cancer called vinyl chloride. As the governmental agencies worked to assess the situation, Norfolk Southern performed a controlled burn from the vinyl chloride to prevent a much worse explosion from happening. The resulting burnoff and initial fire produced a toxic cloud of smoke all around the area, and the chemicals have been detected in nearby waterways. While the total environmental impact will not be fully known for some time, accidents like this highlight the need for stronger regulations of dangerous material transport to avoid major environmental disasters.
The aftermath of the disaster has given concern to many of the residents in the area where the derailment occurred. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources estimates around 3,500 fish have been killed in local streams and waterways due to the chemicals entering the water sources. On February 8th, the EPA declared the area safe for residents to return home stating that their data showed air quality was no longer affected from the chemical burn off. Data also showed toxic plumes in waterways around the area, but the EPA maintains the drinking water supply has not been impacted by the plumes. Many residents in the area were reluctant to return home even after assurances the area was safe, and some have reported experiencing health issues such as rashes, headaches, and a burning sensation in the throat.
As attention turns to the cause of the accident, it is important to note that rail operator Norfolk Southern worked with other industry members in helping to eliminate regulations that would upgrade outdated braking systems used in the industry. Reports also show that industry lobbyists were able to successfully limit regulations that would have made trains carrying dangerous chemicals. These regulations would have given trains like the East Palestine train the high hazard classification, which comes with more stringent safety protocols. When measures like these are combined with the rail industry eliminating over 22% of its workforce in recent years, prompting rail unions to warn of increased safety risks in doing so, it creates a recipe for disaster like in East Palestine. The federal government must hold companies like Norfolk Southern accountable for their actions, but also must work to provide clear and safe guidelines regarding chemical transport. Unfortunately, corporate greed and a lack of action at the federal level leave the residents of East Palestine to bear the consequences of inaction. The clock is running on the next disaster, and we must take action to prevent catastrophes like this from happening.
References
Associated Press. (2023, February 4). 50-car train derailment causes big fire, evacuations in Ohio. Retrieved from AP News: https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591
Associated Press. (2023, February 9). Air near Ohio derailment safe for residents to return home. Retrieved from Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-climate-and-environment-business-evacuations-e7a9c9db57561fceb3224546c872fd58
Bendix, A., & Li, D. K. (2023, February 13). Worried residents near Ohio train derailment report dead fish and chickens as authorities say it's safe to return. Retrieved from NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/residents-ohio-train-derailment-report-dead-fish-chickens-rcna70378
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Goodman, B., & Alvarado, C. (2023, February 17). East Palestine residents worry rashes, headaches and other symptoms may be tied to chemicals from train crash. Retrieved from CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/17/health/ohio-derailment-rashes-health-impacts/index.html
National Cancer Institute. (2022, November 3). Vinyl Chloride. Retrieved from Cancer Causing Substances: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/vinyl-chloride
Orsagos, P., & Seewer, J. (2023, February 6). Crews release toxic chemicals from derailed tankers in Ohio. Retrieved from AP News: https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c
Sirota, D., Rock, J., Burns, R., & Cunningham-Cook, M. (2023, February 8). Rail Companies Blocked Safety Rules Before Ohio Derailment. Retrieved from The Lever: https://www.levernews.com/rail-companies-blocked-safety-rules-before-ohio-derailment/
Vantuono, W. C. (2017, December 5). USDOT Repeals ECP Brake Rule. Retrieved from Railway Age: https://www.railwayage.com/regulatory/usdot-repeals-ecp-brake-rule/?ref=the-lever