It has been almost two weeks since the train derailing and subsequent fires in East Palestine, Ohio, yet the health crisis from the contamination remains for the local and nearby residents.
The Ohio Train Derailment: What Happened
On Feb. 3, 2023, at 8:55 p.m. EST, at least 50 freight cars from a 150-car Norfolk Southern train derailed on the outskirts of East Palestine, Ohio.East Palestine’s mayor, Trent Conaway, declared a “state of emergency.” On Feb. 6, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered an evacuation.
In DeWine’s statement, he raised concern about vinyl chloride, a highly flammable industrial gas, which was in five of the derailed boxcars—four of which were transported in a row.
DeWine announced that there was the possibility of a devastating explosion; to mitigate the danger, Norfolk Southern Railroad decided to release and burn the vinyl chloride in a controlled fire on Feb. 6.
Some of the residents who returned, however, reported feeling unwell while others found dead domestic animals after the controlled release.
One woman, a North Lima resident, claimed some of her chickens died as soon as the vinyl chloride was released and burned on Feb. 6.
Areas of Possible Contamination
Air contamination
Perhaps the greatest concern of immediate residents is the potential air contamination.Water contamination
A lot of data has since come out on potential water contamination.Contaminated runoff was first detected on Feb. 4 in the area’s two surface water streams, namely Sulphur Run and Leslie Run.
Soil contamination
On Feb. 8, one of the tank cars was found to be leaking an oily liquid that was pooling into the soil. Norfolk Southern was notified of the spill and began removing the product using a vacuum truck. It has not been disclosed what the leaked product was.
Toxic Chemicals Disclosed
Vinyl chloride is not the only chemical that the train carried. Of the 50 tanker cars that derailed, more than 10 contained toxic substances.Vinyl chloride
Five cars of vinyl chloride, an industrial chemical and carcinogen, were transported.Vinyl chloride is highly reactive; it boils at less than 8 degrees Fahrenheit and is transported as a liquified gas.
When burned, it produces carbon monoxide, phosgene, and hydrogen chloride. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can cause asphyxiation at toxic levels.
Isobutylene
One car carried isobutylene, which is a potentially explosive liquified gas used in the production of aviation fuel. In its liquid form, it can cause frostbite, and in vapor form, can cause dizziness and headaches, as well as coma or death in high doses. Isobutylene is regarded to be of the same hazard level as vinyl chloride.Butyl acrylate
There was one car of butyl acrylate, an industrial chemical used to make paints and plastics. When inhaled, it can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Exposures can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether
This chemical solvent irritates the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and in high doses, may affect the central nervous system, blood, kidneys, and liver.Ethylhexyl acrylate
There was one car of ethylhexyl acrylate, a significant irritant that is used in paint. When inhaled, ethylhexyl acrylate can irritate the nose, throat, and even the lungs, causing coughing and shortness of breath.Benzene
There were two cars of benzene, a highly flammable liquid. Inhalation of benzene may cause incapacitation, and irritation to the eyes, skin, and pulmonary organs.The benzene cars were damaged and fire-impinged, but were not breached.
More Questions As Health Concerns Surface
The first fire likely burned ethylhexyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, and products not listed above, including petroleum oil, steel, frozen vegetables, two cars of polyvinyl, two cars of polyethylene, and others.The second controlled fire, however, burned five cars of vinyl chloride. It is unknown how the other chemicals, including benzene, isobutylene, and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, have been managed.
The controlled burning of the vinyl chloride was likely to be more toxic than the derailed train’s first fire. There have been several reports from nearby residents, such as the North Lima woman, whose farm animals survived the first fire but died within hours of the controlled burn.
Environmental toxicologist Albert Donnay told The Epoch Times that rather than focusing on every toxic chemical that the freight train transported, people should think about the potential health effects these chemicals pose when combined.
“Just like any other chemical fire, once you burn these chemicals, you create new chemicals, and those are the chemicals we need to be concerned about,” Donnay said.
He also mentioned that during evacuations, it is important to check the direction of the plumes and to go in the opposite direction the smoke blows to avoid the fumes.
Ohio-based integrative medicine physician Dr. Jennifer Pfleghaar said that she has received online messages from nearby residents who have developed acute symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness after the derailment.
Though it currently looks like the air quality is stabilizing, there are concerns about possible water and soil contamination. Since Ohio is largely an agricultural state, the possibility of affected livestock and vegetation is concerning.
Advice on Reducing Health Risks
Despite the event occurring over a week ago, local and nearby residents worry that the health effects may be devastating and long-lasting.1. Prevent exposure to toxins in the air and water
Though it appears air quality has improved, there may still be lingering toxins from the fires or the initial spill.Many of the leaked chemicals can vaporize and will irritate the lungs when inhaled. Smoke from the fires also carries particulates, free radicals, and other byproducts that may cause stress, inflammation, and damage to the lungs.
Therefore, Pfleghaar suggests that most people stay indoors where they can, and wear respirator masks when outside.
Depending on what gets burnt, the amount of free radicals, particulates, and other byproducts in the smoke may vary.
Several thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals were likely burned. Pfleeghar warned that the resulting smoke may be more toxic than that of a bonfire or bushfire.
Smoke and its toxins may linger on the skin, clothes, blankets, carpets, and other soft materials. It can also settle on hard surfaces like tabletops, cars, and walls. Therefore, it is important to clean your skin and surfaces with soap and other detergents.
2. Take supplements that help eliminate toxins
Pfleghaar also encouraged the supplementation of antioxidants and vitamins that will help the body clear toxins.For people who lived near the wreck and inhaled smoke and toxins, Pfleghaar suggests supplementing with n-acetylcysteine, also known as NAC, to support the lungs.
The body uses NAC to make antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent further damage.
NAC, however, may also cause adverse effects, and people should consult with their primary care physicians before supplementation. Adverse reactions may occur in people with asthma or bleeding disorders.
No matter what toxins people come into contact with, it is ultimately the liver that is in charge of breaking down and eliminating them. Therefore, it is very important for people to take care of their livers, Pfleghaar said.
The liver is always hard at work eliminating toxins, but it is especially critical after these catastrophes to avoid food and drinks that may stress the liver, including alcohol.
Herbs such as garlic, turmeric, milk thistle, and even vegetables like leafy greens can also help the liver.
During these times of crisis, it is important to not feed one’s fears and panic, Pfleghaar said.
She emphasized that the human body is exposed to toxins daily and is more durable than one may think.
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