On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed.
As reported by the National Transportation Safety Board, there were 20 total hazardous material cars, 11 of which derailed.
In order to avoid catastrophic explosion, some chemicals were burned off on February 6, 2023, in a “controlled explosion”, which prompted a temporary evacuation of a one-by-two mile area around East Palestine.
Five of the derailed cars were carrying vinyl chloride, a chemical that can cause respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, along with neurological symptoms like headaches and dizziness upon inhalation.
Burning vinyl chloride can cause the production of other toxic chemics including hydrogen chloride and phosgene. Furthermore, chronic exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride has been linked to liver damage and cancer.
Other hazardous chemicals on the train include ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate and isobutylene, all associated with causing irritation or neurological symptoms.
The train also transported butyl acrylate, which can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs.
Some residents have reported headaches and rashes since the derailment, and despite official reassurances that the water and air is safe, they report that they still feel unsafe.
