What is known about train crashes that created toxic cloud

What is known about train crashes that created toxic cloud and evacuation in US?

Toxic substance leaks from train, creating column of fire and black smoke in US

In early February, a freight train loaded with toxic chemicals derailed and caught fire in Ohio, USA.

The fire produced toxic smoke that engulfed the sleepy town of eastern Palestine and led to the evacuation of nearly 2,000 people.

Facing the risk of an explosion in five of the 50 derailed cars, authorities began the controlled release of various toxic products into the environment.

While officials say mitigating the problem and returning to normal is something longterm, there are growing concerns about the environmental and health consequences of the event.

Former Ohio Fire Chief Silverio Caggiano compared the accident’s toxic aftermath to a “nuclear winter.”

But authorities like the EPA, the US environmental protection agency, say contamination levels are below what would be considered worrisome.

Understand what is known about which case.

How was the accident?

On February 3, a freight train carrying various industrial substances traveling from Illinois to Pennsylvania derailed in Ohio.

About 50 of the 150 cars went off the tracks, causing a fire and toxic smoke that blanketed the eastern Palestinian city.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board.

National Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been criticized for being slow to comment on the case and releasing little information. This Tuesday (14th) he said that the Ministry of Transport is following the investigation and will ensure that there is responsibility for the accident.

1 in 1 50 cars went off the tracks — Photo: GETTY IMAGES 50 cars went off the tracks — Photo: GETTY IMAGES

What substances have leaked?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “there have been and continue to be” releases to air, soil and water of:

  • Vinyl chloride, a toxic gas used in the manufacture of PVC plastic that can increase cancer risk is the most dangerous substance and biggest concern among leakers;
  • butyl acrylate, a slightly toxic colorless liquid used in the manufacture of paints, adhesives, plastics and fabrics, among other things;
  • 2ethylhexyl acrylate, a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor used in the manufacture of polymers;
  • Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, a toxic liquid used as a solvent and irritating to skin and eyes.

What are the risks for the population and the environment?

Almost 2,000 residents of the city were evacuated immediately after the accident. Schools, shops and roads were closed and shelters were created for people who had to leave their homes.

There were no reports of dead or injured.

According to the US National Cancer Institute, exposure to vinyl chloride is associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer. However, state officials and the EPA said the level of contamination in the community was not of concern.

Five days after the accident, residents were allowed to return to their homes as air pollution dropped below worrying levels.

The water treatment service said it has seen “no adverse effects” on the water in the area.

However, residents have said on social media and in the local press that fish and frogs are dying in the area’s streams. Others say they smelled chemicals and had headaches and nausea.

Some local residents have already filed lawsuits against the company that managed the transportation.