The East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment
HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED AND HOW YOU CAN HELP
Jaclyn Tracy
East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment
Experts are saying this could be the largest environmental disaster in US history
WHAT HAPPENED?
February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern cargo train derailed carrying 150 cars and hundreds of thousands of of gallons of chemicals near the Ohio town of East Palestine close to the Pennsylvania border.
The derailment has sparked concerns about air, soil and water pollution.
The initial explosion and controlled vent and burn of vinyl chloride posed severe danger to people in the area, and various organizations and agencies are continuing testing to determine risk of further exposure. (1)
An evacuation order was lifted five days after the derailment, when officials deemed the air and water safe. But many residents remain unconvinced, complaining about the lingering smell of chemicals, headaches and pain. (2)
On Feb. 10, the E.P.A. said that about 20 rail cars were reported to have been carrying hazardous materials. Chemicals including vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether were “known to have been and continue to be” released to the air, surface soil and surface waters, the E.P.A. said. (4)
The EPA, Ohio EPA and Norfolk Southern contractors have conducted numerous tests to assure residents the air and water is safe.
However, some locals are worried about the long-term health effects. And experts have warned about the environmental damage from the controlled chemical release. (3)
Residents have described rashes, sore throats and nausea after returning home following controlled detonations of some of the tanks that were carrying toxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride, which has the potential to kill at high levels and increase cancer risk. (1)
"This really looks like a nuclear winter. We nuked this town with chemicals."
— SIL CAGGIANO, A LOCAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPECIALIST
How You Can Help
IF YOU HAVE THE MEANS, PLEASE DONATE TO THESE ORGANIZATIONS HELPING THE RESIDENTS OF EAST PALESTINE
The Brightside Project has established an East Palestine Crisis Relief Fund for the community. They also have an Amazon wish list.
The Way Station is a Columbiana County resource resource for emergency assistance, nutrition, clothing, household items, job training and emotional support.
Project MKC is helping distribute diapers, baby wipes and toiletries at the Way Station in East Palestine. The nonprofit is also working with larger organizations like Baby2Baby for more assistance.
And, of course, the American Red Cross has been on the ground in East Palestine from the night that the derailment took place.
2.THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS ARE HELPING WITH DISPLACED ANIMALS:
And many local shelters are offering up their space and help in taking in animals. (5)
