East Palestine Ohio
On February 3, a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. This crash has had large negative impacts on the nearby environment in the Ohio community. These impacts include water contamination, killing animals, and a 5-mile radius of radioactivity in the soil and water according to The New York Times.
This accident heavily impacted many species in the area. Some of the most affected animals included the aquatic species. The chemicals from the spill went into the nearby water sources directly impacting the animals that live in this water, as well as the animals that drink from this water. The reports from CNN say that over 43,000 aquatic animals have been found dead compared to the initial estimate of 3,000. So far, no terrestrial animals have been reported dead, but this does not confirm that none have.
Along with the species heavily impacted, humans were affected as well. According to AP news, Mayor Trent Conaway declared a state of emergency and an evacuation after the spill contaminated the air and water quality. Dangerous chemicals were spilled and polluted the air, one of the dangerous chemicals being Vinyl chloride.
Vinyl chloride is a chemical used to make Polyvinyl chloride, which is hard plastic resin used in a variety of plastic products. According to the federal governments’ National Cancer Institute, when not appropriately handled, this chemical can be associated with increased risk of liver cancer and other cancers. Furthermore, some residents of East Palestine have reported symptoms such as headache and difficulty breathing following the train derailment.
Despite the damages and effects of this catastrophe in East Palestine, the community and workers are putting forth great efforts to better the conditions and prevent further destruction to the environment.
