The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a full list of toxic chemicals detected after the cargo train derailed near the border between Pennsylvania and Ohio on February 3.
According to the reports, a Norfolk Southern train of around 150 cars, carrying hazardous materials reportedly derailed at about 8:55 p.m. ET, causing a massive fire which sparked fears of a massive explosion among the residents.
Local officials are also worried that the derailment would release noxious gases and shrapnel into the surrounding area, with several emergency responders attempting to breach five cars to let out the chemicals inside.
In the report published by the Newsweek, it was revealed that the “chemicals were diverted into a trench and burnt off. Officials warned, however, that it would send toxic gases phosgene—used during World War I—and hydrogen chloride into the atmosphere. Environmental regulators have been monitoring the air and drinking water around the site of the derailment, and have so far said both remain unaffected by the spill.”
While environmental regulators monitor the air, East Palestine residents were still allowed to return to their homes.
However, many have complained of nausea and headaches with some of their pets, dying in suspected cases of chemical exposure after the experts released the chemicals in a controlled manner.
As a result, Jason El-Zein, an emergency response manager at the EPA released a letter on February 10 letter to Matt Gernand, deputy general counsel for the Norfolk Southern Railway Company, a list of toxic chemicals that were detected in air, soil or water that surround the crash site.
MSN reported that the chemicals found were “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.”
In the statement released by El-Zein, it was revealed that the EPA “has spent, or is considering spending, public funds to investigate and control releases of hazardous substances or potential releases of hazardous substances” and had determined that the rail company “may be responsible under [the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act] for clean-up of the site or costs EPA has incurred in cleaning up the site.”
In response, a spokesperson for the Norfolk Southern spokesperson announced that the company had reportedly received the EPA’s letter, adding that “we have confirmed to them that we have and will continue to perform or finance environmental monitoring and remediation.”
“Our hazmat team was in East Palestine within an hour of the incident, and the response continues today in close coordination with the Ohio and U.S. EPA as well as other agencies,” they added in the statement.
