Toxic Chemicals Released in Ohio Train Derailing: Health Risks, Ways to Reduce Harm
It’s been nearly two weeks since the train derailment and subsequent fires. East PalestineOhio, but the health crisis caused by the contamination persists for nearby and local residents.
Experts discuss the possible health effects and how to prevent problems for residents.
The Ohio Train Derailment: What happened?
At least 50 freight vehicles from the 150-car Norfolk Southern train were derailled in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, 2023 at 8:55 p.m. ET.
It is unclear when the fire started following derailment. However, security footage There were sparks or flames underneath at least one car on the train that preceded the derailment. The fire persisted until Feb. 8.
East Palestine’s mayor, Trent Conaway, declared a “state of emergency.” On Feb. 6, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called for 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 stated that there was a danger of a catastrophic explosion. Norfolk Southern Railroad decided to release the vinyl chloride and burn it in a controlled fire, Feb. 6.
DeWine, along with other officials, burned the vinyl chloride. Feb. 8, 2008 Residents near the incident might be allowed to return to their homes.
Some residents reported feeling unwell after returning, while others found dead domestic pets following the controlled release.
North Lima resident one woman claimed that some of her chickens died shortly after vinyl chloride was released. The vinyl chloride was burned on February 6.
“My video camera footage shows my chickens were perfectly fine before they started this burn, and as soon as they started the burn, my chickens slowed down and they died,” Amanda Breshears from North Lima, Ohio According to ABC27. “If it can do this to chickens in one night, imagine what it’s going to do to us in 20 years.”
Areas at Risk of Contamination
Pollution of the air
Potential air contamination is probably the most pressing concern for residents.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will begin work on February 4. deployed real-time air monitoring On volatile compounds such as vinyl chloride, butylacrylate and other chemicals. The agency began to monitor the levels of hydrogen sulfide (hydrogen cyanide), phosgene and carbon monoxide in the air.
The February 8th, 2002 at 2:55 pm EST saw the highest readings of airborne particles matter (0.553 PM).10 (mg/m3), which is 10 times the screening levels, which are considered acceptable concentrations (PDF). It isn’t known however, where the sample was taken.
The screening rates for particle matter readings were not exceeded after Feb. 9, suggesting that there may be a decline in air pollution.pdf).
The EPA ended air monitoring for phosgene, hydrogen chloride and other chemicals on Feb. 13. This was due to the fact that such chemicals are no longer a threat after the controlled fire. No vinyl chloride or hydrogen chloride were detected in residents’ homes.
Water contamination
Since then, a lot of data has been released about 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.
Sulfur Run flows into Leslie Run. It flows into North Fork Little Beaver Creek and discharges into Ohio River. The Ohio River then flows through or borders. Six statesIllinois, Indiana Kentucky Ohio Pennsylvania West Virginia
On February 9, the EPA published an analysis summary of chemicals found in surface waters. The report revealed that chrysene and benzo(a.)anthracene levels exceeded screening levels. It is not known where the samples were taken.pdf).
Benzo(a)anthracene and chrysene are probable carcinogens and phenol is an irritant. They are also very toxic to aquatic life (1, 2, 3).
Sulphur Run was dammed to prevent further downstream contamination. But on Feb. 10, the Ohio EPA detected “very low levels” of butyl acrylate and ethyl hexyl acrylate in Leslie Run and much lower levels of ethyl hexyl acrylate in North Fork Little Beaver Creek downstream.
On Feb. 14, Tiffany Kavalec, the head of the Ohio EPA’s water management subdivision, confirmed in a news conference that there has been a “plume [of chemicals] moving down the Ohio River.”
When pressed further, Kavalec said that the plume is comprised mainly of “fire combustion chemicals.” There could also be multiple “volatile organic compounds” that were being carried on the train in the Ohio River but are “very diluted.”
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.
On Feb. 12, the EPA released a document (pdf) from Norfolk Southern Railway Transport (NSRT) company, the owner of the derailed tanker trains and the transporter for the products.
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.
Phosgene is a toxic gas used extensively in World War I as a choking agent. For some people, it will smell like freshly cut grass.
Hydrogen chloride becomes hydrochloric acid when in the presence of water. Hydrochloric acid is highly acidic and corrosive, and depending on its concentration, its pH can be 1 or lower.
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.
Fire impinged on the car carrying isobutylene, but it did not breach the car during the initial derailment. There have been no further updates on this chemical.
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.
The butyl acrylate could not be found after the initial derailment, likely lost in the fire or from a spill.
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.
The status of the train’s ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is currently unknown.
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.
The car carrying ethylhexyl acrylate was breached, and it is uncertain how much of the chemical remains.
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.
Pfleghaar hopes that within a month, there will be more data on the leaked toxins so that people can avoid exposure.
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.
Since data on the contaminations are still limited, while everyone awaits more information, Pfleghaar suggests that concerned residents should:
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.
To avoid contact with contaminated waters, Pfleghaar suggested adding filters to taps. At a press conference on Tuesday, DeWine advised residents who consume well water to drink bottled water for the time being.
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.
NAC has been extensively documented as beneficial in treating lung diseases caused by long-term damage including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also has benefits for reducing inflammation in acute diseases (1, 2).
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.
Supplements including cobalamin (vitamin B12), folate (B9), and magnesium, can help with liver function and prevent liver inflammation.
When supplementing with magnesium, it is important to get it in formulations that increase bioavailability. Magnesium oxide, for example, is poorly absorbed, while magnesium glycinate, along with citrate, chloride, lactate, and aspartate, would be better absorbed.
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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