On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The train was 38 cars long and contained chemicals such as butyl acrylate, vinyl chloride, and isobutane. By February 5, 2023, the citizens of East Palestine who had not already left were ordered to evacuate. These chemicals were then burned off in a risky decision by Governor Mike Dewine, Norfolk Southern, and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). These chemicals are certainly not the safest to burn as they can have physical effects on the people exposed to them, and people in the area have been complaining about complications after the burning took place. Here are some of the uses and hazards of these chemicals:
Vinyl Chloride: According to the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) web page containing information about vinyl chloride, vinyl chloride is typically used in the creation of polyvinyl chloride or PVC, such as PVC pipes. Smaller amounts are used in furniture, upholstery, or car parts. The EPA states that acute exposure to vinyl chloride has caused symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and giddiness. Chronic exposure to vinyl chloride through inhalation or oral exposure may result in liver damage and/or severe central nervous system effects, such as loss of memory or visual/hearing disturbances. Vinyl Chloride is listed as a Class A carcinogen by the EPA, meaning that there is adequate data that indicates a chemical causes cancer in people. While the citizens of East Palestine likely don’t have to worry about chronic exposure symptoms, a large amount of vinyl chloride was burned into the environment surrounding the city.
Butyl Acrylate: The CDC’s (Center for Disease Control) health guidelines say that butyl acrylate is used in the creation of adhesives, plastics, and acrylic rubber. The CDC also states that acute exposure to butyl acrylate vapor can cause irritation and redness of the eyes and skin. A scratchy throat, difficulty breathing, and runny nose may also occur. Chronic exposure may cause other skin conditions such as swelling, itching, or oozing of the affected areas. According to the CDC, nervous systems and other behavioral effects are also a possibility. Again, large amounts of this chemical were burned into the environment around East Palestine.
Isobutane: The New Jersey Department of Health’s fact sheet on isobutane states that isobutane is used as a refrigerant, fuel, an aerosol propellant and in rubber. Isobutane is also found in cigarette smoke. Isobutane can burn the skin and the eyes, and irritate the nose and throat. Exposure to high concentrations of isobutane can cause dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Overall this chemical is the least to worry about as it is often burned as fuel in the first place, but the citizens of East Palestine should still be wary.
After the train derailment and subsequent chemical release, thousands of fish were found dead in the rivers near the site, Leslie Run, Bull Creek and some parts of the North Fork of Beaver Creek. ABC 5, located in Cleveland, Ohio, posted an article showing the estimates given by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: 43,000 total fish. This is an incredibly high number compared to the ODNR’s original 3,500 total fish estimate. Ohio.gov released an update on February 8, 2023 stating, “Gov. Mike DeWine, Gov. Josh Shapiro, the East Palestine Fire Chief and Incident Commander Kieth Drabick, and federal, state and local officials announced that the evacuated residents could safely return home.”
One of our very own teachers here at Lowellville High School, Mr. Van Kirk lives near where the incident took place. In a brief interview, he said that he hasn’t noticed any differences in his water or air quality. However, the cloud from the burning chemicals did pass over his house and Mr. Van Kirk will have his well water checked every six months.
While the residents have been told that they can drink the tap water, many people are still hesitant to do so. In a more recent update on March 20, 2023, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency said, “7.4 million gallons of wastewater have been moved out of East Palestine in total with no estimate on how much more needs to be cleaned or removed.”
The Lowellville NHS is currently collecting food and water donations to support the residents of East Palestine. We wish the best to the citizens of East Palestine. Hopefully, Norfolk Southern as well as collaborating Ohio Agencies, will give East Palestine the safety and peace of mind that they deserve.
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