On February 3, 2023, a train transporting hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing several railcars to rupture and ignite chemical fires at the Appalachian Mountains’ base.
This incident quickly captured international attention as the governors of Ohio and Pennsylvania called for immediate evacuations within a one-mile radius of the accident site. As the chemicals burned, they sent plumes of smoke and a pungent smell throughout the area, with substances leaking into the air and a local creek.
Three days after the derailment, Norfolk Southern, the railway company involved, orchestrated the release and burning of approximately 1 million pounds of vinyl chloride from the damaged railcars. This chemical is known to be harmful in high concentrations.
Though federal authorities later deemed this controlled burn unnecessary, it was already too late. The chemical release had extended its impact into both Ohio and Pennsylvania.
In my role as an environmental engineer, my team and I are frequently called upon by government bodies and local communities to provide advice on public health measures following such disasters. Following the lifting of the evacuation order, we were approached by local residents seeking assistance.
In our latest research, we explore the pollution we identified and highlight issues with the emergency response and remediation efforts that potentially heightened the exposure risk to dangerous substances. Our findings underscore crucial strategies for safeguarding communities against future incidents.
Pathways of Chemical Exposure in Homes and Water Sources
When significant quantities of chemicals are emitted into the environment, they can pollute the air, infiltrate water systems, and permeate the soil, eventually contaminating groundwater and wells. These chemicals can also migrate underground into nearby structures, compromising indoor air quality.
Once inside, air contaminants can seep into household items such as upholstery, curtains, furniture, countertops, and clothing through openings like cracks, windows, and doors. Disturbing the air can re-release these trapped chemicals.
Contamination Persists After Evacuation Lifted
Three weeks post-derailment, we commenced our investigation into the safety of the environment surrounding 17 structures in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The highest levels of air pollution were found within the initial one-mile evacuation zone and an additional mile where residents were advised to shelter in place. However, the chemical cloud had spread beyond these designated areas.
Within and around East Palestine, we discovered that chemicals from the derailed train had infiltrated various buildings. Numerous residents reported experiencing headaches, skin irritations, and other ailments upon returning to these structures.
At a site only 0.2 miles from where the train went off the tracks, indoor air tests conducted more than four months after the incident still showed contamination.
Nine days following the derailment, air quality assessments performed by a local business owner revealed contamination with butyl acrylate and other chemicals from the train. Levels of butyl acrylate were detected above the safety threshold for two-week exposure, indicating a need for protective measures for human health.
When contractors from the railway company assessed the same building 11 days after the accident, they quickly left after only 10 minutes due to a “strong/unpleasant smell,” despite their handheld detectors not picking up any chemical traces. This building, located directly above the heavily polluted Sulphur Run creek, was likely exposed to chemicals from both the initial smoke and vapors rising from the creek.
Our subsequent testing uncovered that chemicals from the railcars had even permeated silicone wristband merchandise stored on the premises. We also identified several other potentially spill-related chemicals.
Weeks into the cleanup, officials found that the air inside the East Palestine Municipal Building, situated about 0.7 miles from the crash site, was also tainted. Chemicals had entered the building through an open drainage pipe connected to Sulphur Run.
Over a month after residents were allowed back, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency admitted that ongoing cleanup efforts around and beneath buildings were causing further contamination as workers handled polluted drainage systems, allowing more chemicals to infiltrate these structures.
I am Sofia, a tech-savvy journalist and passionate member of the “Jason Deegan” team. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the latest technological advancements and loved sharing my knowledge with others.