Around 8:55 PM EST on Feb. 3rd, a Norfolk Southern train carrying 150 cars derailed with 38 of the cars catching fire due to an overheated wheel bearing. The derailed train spilled many hazardous and flammable chemicals. No one was injured during the derailment.

Residents of East Palestine, Ohio that lived in a one-mile radius were evacuated shortly after the derailment but since then, the evacuation order was lifted. However, the chemicals have spread into the environment, contaminating the rivers and water supply of East Palestine residents.

There were many concerns about the trains themselves after the derailment. Many hazards posed a threat to the professionals on scene and to nearby wildlife including fires and chemicals in the air.

The cars that have derailed caught fire. Professionals went to the scene to put out the fire and did a controlled release of vinyl chloride to prevent an explosion.

The exact distance the chemicals could spread is not yet known. The contamination has been controlled in East Palestine as of Feb. 24th.

“Staying safe from the chemicals in East Palestine, is just a matter of staying away from the area. If you are traveling up that way, drink bottled water or filter your tap water to be safe.” Mr. Christian Clark, a chemistry teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar said. 

“On a local level, keep an eye on your local bodies of water. If you see water that is not a normal color you would expect to find there, report it.”

It is unlikely that the chemicals that were spilled will spread into Kentucky. It’s important to stay cautious and avoid non-filtered drinking water near East Palestine.

Residents in East Palestine reported many thousands of fish have been seen dead in the local rivers. Other wildlife such as foxes became sick following the derailment. People that have been in East Palestine recently have said they have had nausea, burning sensations in the eyes, and breathing difficulties since the chemical spill. The chemicals that were spilled include vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, and isobutylene. The most common is vinyl chloride.

“Inhalation can lead to liver failure or cancer as it is a carcinogen, and it is a chemical used in creating PVC and was once used in aerosol sprays.” Mr. Clark said.

Vinyl chloride is very damaging to the environment and to the people who breathe it in. It’s a good idea to stay away from any contaminated areas.

“In 2015, under the Obama administration, there was a bill put into place requiring trains carrying hazardous materials to upgrade to electronically controlled pneumatic brakes rather than air brakes which is technology whose design dates back to the civil war era.” Mr. Clark said.

This chemical disaster was an easily preventable accident. If the train was not using outdated and old equipment, there likely would have been no chemical spillage. ECP brakes would have likely prevented the train from derailing and spilling the chemicals.