Experts Concerned about Chemical Contamination after Ohio Train Derailment
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Experts in the United States have expressed serious concerns over the impact of chemical contamination on people and the environment following a devastating train derailment in Ohio.
On February 3, a train carrying hazardous materials, including vinyl chloride, derailed in East Palestine, near the Pennsylvania border.
Approximately 50 cars, many containing flammable liquids, were crushed onto each other, raising fears of a major explosion.
On February 6, authorities allowed the transportation company operating the train, Norfolk Southern, to conduct a "controlled burn" of the hazardous chemicals, which resulted in a large plume of black smoke.
Jay H. Jones, professor of biology and biochemistry at the University of La Verne, stated in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday that "the controlled burn sent massive quantities of black carbon into the air as well as uncombusted fumes. Black carbon alone kills one out of eight people prematurely worldwide. This incident simply contributes to that along with many other sources". Evaggelos Vallianatos, a historian and an ecopolitical theorist, said, "The result was destruction and possible ecological death, immediate and chronic."
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 20 rail cars were carrying hazardous materials, including vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl ethers. The EPA said these chemicals were released into the air, surface soil, and surface waters. The accident left a mass of mangled and charred boxcars and flames, raising concerns about health and environmental impacts.
Vinyl chloride is of particular concern. Vallianatos, a former EPA analyst, explained to Xinhua that "of the released chemicals, vinyl chloride is certain to cause large harm. It is used for mass production of plastic products. Vinyl chloride causes cancer, and breathed at large quantities, causes death."
Authorities are conducting a federal investigation and monitoring air quality around the various hazardous chemicals in the train. Local officials have stated that the air is safe to breathe and the water is safe to drink in East Palestine. However, concerns are growing as more reports come in about people experiencing a burning sensation in their eyes, animals falling ill, and a strong odor lingering in the town.
The accident has raised questions about the safety of transporting hazardous chemicals and their management. "Uncontrolled corporate power is responsible for the derailment in Ohio. It is so pervasive that business as usual is becoming sacrosanct. The weakened federal government and state governments all but assure these accidents will continue," said Vallianatos.
Jones said the US government should support improvements to the rail system, which has declined since the 1950s. "The US is far behind China in this regard." He also suggested that the government tax toxic materials such as vinyl chloride to reduce their production and provide funding for prevention and cleanup.