On February 3rd a train carrying reportedly hazardous and dangerous materials derailed and crashed in east Palestine, Ohio. Around 38 of the 150 cars were derailed and 11 of the derailed cars were reportedly carrying toxic materials, the derailment caused a fire causing these chemicals to be released into the air putting residents in danger. Though this event was very dangerous, there was virtually no media coverage on the crash in the hours after it happened. Residents were not ordered to evacuate until two days after the incident and journalists were turned away from the site. 

The chemicals that these cars were carrying included: vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, benzene residue, ethylhexyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl, and other combustible liquids. All of these chemicals can cause various health issues if they are breathed in, some even proving to be fatal if too much is inhaled. Some of the health issues that these chemicals can cause include: dizziness, irregular heartbeat, eye and raspatory irritation, headaches, vomiting, and even unctuousness if exposed to an excessive amount, some of these chemicals are also known carcinogens.  

After the derailment and release of certain chemicals, officials ordered a release and burning of any remaining cars that were holding chemicals in order to prevent a potential explosion which would have caused a devastating amount of damage. This controlled burn did not subside until the February 8th, and many people are criticizing this decision, saying that it may have caused more harm to the affected areas.  

The railway responsible for the incident is Norfolk Southern, this company is financially responsible for the clean-up of the area and efforts to support the people in the community who were affected. Most of the affected zones are in Palestine, Ohio, but there are reports that other areas may be affected by the chemicals as well. There have reports of contaminated streams, these streams are Sulphur run and Leslie run, and many creeks have been contaminated as well, these creeks are full of dead fish and other animals.  

Many people have reported feeling symptoms after returning to their homes after the governor released a statement saying that it is safe to come back. Many officials say that the levels are safe for people to return and they should feel no aliments; however, the number of individuals who are reporting symptoms is still very high. There is a concern for different types of toxins that could have been formed from the other chemicals being broken down, these are also much more difficult to detect, leading some residents finding their own ways to conduct tests to find them.  

This situation is still developing weeks after the initial incident, everyday more and more information is released regarding the safety of residents and the clean-up effort. Many people who were affected by this situation are glad that the media is finally discussing the incident. Many people believe that the railway and government are trying to make the situation seem less serious than it is because of the general lack of concern the residents have felt from them. For now most residents are sitting tight waiting for more information to come out about the chemical levels.  

Article by Sophie Meek