An OH train derailment releases numerous toxins in the air causing fear among residents of East Palestine. The train wreck occurred on February 3. Residents in a 2 mile area around the crash had to be evacuated from the toxic smoke billowing up from the wreck. The tankers on the train the overturned were carrying liquid vinyl chloride which is very combustible. Full list of chemicals below.
Is the solution going to cause more problems
In order to avoid a large explosion the tankers needed to be vented. Which entailed digging a trench for the vinyl chloride to burn off. I guess if that was the solution they came up with, why did they not dig the trench, line it and pump it safely out? Only reason I can come up with is it was burning as they dumped it into the trench. Ok if that was the case, put the fire out while in the trench and get that toxic waste out of there. Why create an even larger environmental disaster, more so than was already happening?
Pictures of the clouds over the crash site are truly frightening to look at. They look like something out of a SciFi movie. With the cloud of smoke moving over the entire town I cannot believe there will be no negative effects to the residents. Not to mention all the chemicals leeching into the soil. Of course the government has given the all clear and even our great leader’s administration (sarcasm) has said it is safe to return home. I mean if our fearless leader and the amazing people at the EPA say it’s alright (due to continuous air quality monitoring) than I guess it is (more sarcasm). If things are so hunky dory when do they plan to show the country and the residents of East Palestine how safe it is by walking around, drink some water from various homes etc. We all know that will NEVER happen.
Will residents return
Residents are expressing apprehension about returning home. Most do not believe it can be safe this quickly or at all. With all the numerous toxins released who can blame them. Take a look at the list (from Newsweek Feb 13, 2023 online article)
- Vinyl chloride: a colorless gas that is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics and is highly flammable and decomposes to make toxic fumes. According to the National Library of Medicine, it is also carcinogenic and can cause other health issues.
- Butyl acrylate: a clear liquid that is used for making paints, sealants and adhesives. It is flammable and can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation.
- Ethylhexyl acrylate: a colorless liquid used to make paints and plastics. It can cause skin and respiratory irritation and, under moderate heat, can produce hazardous vapor.
- Ethylene glycol monobutyl: a colorless liquid used as a solvent for paint and inks, as well as some dry cleaning solutions. It is classed as acutely toxic, able to cause serious or permanent injury, and highly flammable. Vapors can irritate the eyes and nose, and ingestion can cause headaches and vomiting.
If all those toxic substances released in my community I think I would cut my losses and haul ass. Of course after making Norfolk Southern pay for my home and moving expenses. Lawsuits have already been filed.
As of the writing of this article, now a train in TX has derailed with the cause being an 18-wheeler being on the tracks. What the hell is going on with the rail system these days. I would like to hear some opinions, thoughts, concerns. Drop a comment below.
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