Report warns of toxic ‘bomb trains
OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
3:40 PM – Monday, January 29, 2024
A research report publicized this month assumes that the possibility of derailments involving toxic chemicals on freight trains puts over three million Americans at risk.
A study released this month indicates that over three million Americans could be at risk of derailments involving toxic chemicals, almost a year after a freight train carrying the same hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio.
According to a report released by Toxic-Free Future, an environmental health advocacy group, American railroads are currently transporting up to 36 million pounds of vinyl chloride over a distance of 2,000 miles.
Three facilities in Illinois, New Jersey, and Ontario are the main destinations for the rail traffic, however, the route to the New Jersey facility starts in Texas, endangering a large area of the Eastern United States.
This region of the nation encompasses both population centers like Austin and Houston in Texas, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, and Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as other locations in hundreds of smaller towns and cities like East Palestine. An estimated 670,000 children live along this route.
The East Palestine disaster resulted in a plume of toxic fumes into the atmosphere following a controlled burn by local authorities, but no one was killed or injured. However, locals are worried about potential long-term health consequences from the substances’ exposure.
Mike Schade, director of Mind the Store, which is a program of Toxic-Free Future that encourages merchants to stop selling hazardous chemicals.
“The people of East Palestine were forced to learn the hard way that tank cars of vinyl chloride rumbling through your town can mean disaster for your health and your community,” said Schade. “It is outrageous that the amount of vinyl chloride involved in that tragedy reflects only a small percentage of the millions of pounds that is transported at any given moment.”
Vinyl chloride safety risks are in the process of being examined by the Environmental Protection Agency. This is a multiyear process that could result in a formal determination that vinyl chloride poses an “unreasonable” risk to human and environmental health.
AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan made a statement regarding the situation.
“We need to make sure that the railroads are bringing a safety culture back to their operations and ensuring that the members I represent, the workers, are given every tool they need to operate the trains safely,” Regan said.
Researchers hope that their findings will persuade major distributors and vinyl suppliers to alter their business practices before another tragedy occurs.
“We owe it to communities like East Palestine and Paulsboro to learn from the mistakes of the past so that no other community has to go through what they’ve gone through,” Regan added.
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What are the potential risks associated with the transportation of toxic chemicals by rail?
Others along these rail routes to ensure that the transportation of toxic chemicals is done in the safest way possible,” said one of the researchers involved in the study.
There have been several incidents in the past involving derailed freight trains carrying hazardous materials, and the potential risks associated with these accidents are alarming. The release of toxic chemicals into the environment can have severe consequences for both human and environmental health.
Vinyl chloride is one such chemical that is commonly transported by rail in large quantities. It is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and can pose significant health risks if exposure occurs. Short-term exposure to vinyl chloride can cause dizziness, headaches, and respiratory problems, while long-term exposure has been linked to serious health conditions such as liver cancer and lung disorders.
The fact that millions of pounds of vinyl chloride are being transported across the country on a regular basis is concerning. The potential for derailments and accidents during transportation raises significant safety concerns, particularly for communities located near the rail routes.
The recent incident in East Palestine serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the transportation of toxic chemicals. While no one was injured or killed in the derailment, there are concerns about the long-term health effects of exposure to the released toxic fumes.
Environmental organizations and advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations and safety measures to be implemented to prevent future incidents. They argue that the current transportation practices are putting millions of Americans at risk and that immediate action is needed to address this issue.
The research report released by Toxic-Free Future highlights the need for urgent action. It provides data and evidence to support the claim that over three million Americans are at risk of derailments involving toxic chemicals. The report also identifies the main destinations of rail traffic carrying vinyl chloride and emphasizes the potential danger posed to communities along these routes.
It is crucial that government agencies, regulatory bodies, and the rail industry take these findings seriously and work together to mitigate the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials. Stricter safety protocols, regular inspections, and improved emergency response plans are just some of the measures that can be implemented to enhance safety and protect the health and well-being of the communities along these rail routes.
In addition, cooperation and collaboration between all stakeholders are essential to finding sustainable solutions. This includes engaging with major distributors and vinyl suppliers to encourage responsible business practices and the use of alternative, safer materials.
The safety of the public should always be the top priority, and it is unacceptable to compromise the health and well-being of millions of Americans for the sake of convenience and profit. The risks associated with the transportation of toxic chemicals on freight trains are real and should not be underestimated.
By addressing these risks and implementing necessary safety measures, we can ensure that incidents like the one in East Palestine do not occur again. The health and safety of our communities must be protected, and it is our collective responsibility to make sure that the transportation of hazardous materials is done in the safest and most responsible way possible.
It is time for action. The findings of this research report should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders involved. Let us work together to ensure the well-being of our communities and a safer future for all.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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