East Palestine Train Derailment

East Palestine train derailment involved a small village located in Ohio about 40 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The population in East Palestine is about 4,700 who suffered the horrid train derailment which occurred in the village. The train derailment involved the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment including the air, land, and water in the surrounding area. The residents in East Palestine suffered many acute illnesses including headaches, nausea, seizures, sore throats, and the smell of chemicals was blowing in the wind.

The train derailment involved the company Norfolk Southern Corp and occurred on February 3, 2023 in the late evening. However, it’s important to note that train derailments have increased in certain railways regarding quantity and severity throughout the years. Neglecting and ignoring safety is the main cause of the increase in train derailments. Cost, workforce, and safety cuts have been some of the main issues that have increased the chances of train derailments. Additionally, more freight trains are running with longer trains based on train miles.

Train Derailment and Hazardous Materials

There were many different chemicals on-board the train derailment that occurred on Feb. 3 which contaminated the local areas. The importance of the controlled burn is that many of these chemicals not only entered the ground and waterways nearby, but they also polluted the air. Air pollution can be far reaching and can potentially contaminate far lands that don’t only impact East Palestine. Sadly, many of the effects from the chemicals entering the atmosphere will be unknown as increases of illnesses may not be associated with the train derailment.

Here are some of the hazardous chemicals involved in the train derailment:

1. Vinyl Chloride – Highly toxic and flammable gas that can have severe health effects on humans. It is primarily used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. Exposure to vinyl chloride can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Acute exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride can cause dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, and unconsciousness. Prolonged exposure to lower levels can lead to liver damage, immune system dysfunction, nerve damage, and cancer. Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen, and exposure to vinyl chloride has been linked to an increased risk of developing liver cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, and other types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified vinyl chloride as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that it is known to cause cancer in humans. In addition to its carcinogenic effects, vinyl chloride can also cause reproductive and developmental problems, such as birth defects and infertility. Overall, exposure to vinyl chloride should be avoided as much as possible, and safety measures should be taken to prevent accidental exposure in workplaces where it is used.
2. Isobutylene – Colorless gas with a sweet odor that is used in the production of various chemicals, including synthetic rubber, plastics, and resins. Inhalation is the most common route of exposure to isobutylene, although skin and eye contact can also occur. Acute exposure to isobutylene can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. High concentrations can also cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and unconsciousness. Long-term exposure to isobutylene can result in chronic respiratory problems, including bronchitis and asthma. Animal studies suggest that isobutylene may be a potential carcinogen, although the evidence in humans is limited. Isobutylene can also be flammable and explosive when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames, and appropriate safety measures should be taken when handling this chemical. Overall, exposure to isobutylene should be minimized as much as possible, and appropriate safety measures should be taken to prevent accidental exposure in workplaces where it is used. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and affected individuals should be removed from the source of exposure and provided with fresh air.
3. Butyl acrylate – Colorless liquid with a fruity odor that is commonly used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and textiles. Exposure to butyl acrylate can occur through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. Acute exposure to butyl acrylate can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. High concentrations can also cause headache, dizziness, and nausea. Skin contact can cause irritation, redness, and chemical burns. Long-term exposure to butyl acrylate can cause respiratory problems, including bronchitis and asthma, as well as skin sensitization and allergic reactions. Animal studies suggest that butyl acrylate may be a potential carcinogen, although the evidence in humans is limited. Butyl acrylate can also be flammable and explosive when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames, and appropriate safety measures should be taken when handling this chemical. Overall, exposure to butyl acrylate should be minimized as much as possible, and appropriate safety measures should be taken to prevent accidental exposure in workplaces where it is used. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and affected individuals should be removed from the source of exposure and provided with fresh air.
4. Benzene – Highly toxic and flammable liquid that is used in the production of various chemicals, including plastics, synthetic fibers, and rubber. Benzene is also found in cigarette smoke, gasoline, and other petroleum-based products. Exposure to benzene can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Acute exposure to high levels of benzene can cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Prolonged exposure to lower levels can lead to damage to the bone marrow, which can result in a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia, and a weakened immune system. Benzene is a known human carcinogen and exposure to benzene has been linked to an increased risk of developing leukemia, lymphoma, and other types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified benzene as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that it is known to cause cancer in humans. In addition to its carcinogenic effects, benzene can also cause reproductive and developmental problems, such as birth defects and infertility. Overall, exposure to benzene should be avoided as much as possible, and safety measures should be taken to prevent accidental exposure in workplaces where it is used. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and affected individuals should be removed from the source of exposure and provided with fresh air.
5. Ethylhexyl acrylate – Clear liquid with a characteristic odor that is used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and textiles. Exposure to ethylhexyl acrylate can occur through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. Acute exposure to ethylhexyl acrylate can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. High concentrations can also cause headache, dizziness, and nausea. Skin contact can cause irritation, redness, and chemical burns. Long-term exposure to ethylhexyl acrylate can cause respiratory problems, including bronchitis and asthma, as well as skin sensitization and allergic reactions. Overall, the available data suggest that ethylhexyl acrylate does not pose a significant risk of carcinogenicity, although more research is needed to fully understand its potential health effects. Ethylhexyl acrylate can also be flammable and explosive when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames, and appropriate safety measures should be taken when handling this chemical. Overall, exposure to ethylhexyl acrylate should be minimized as much as possible, and appropriate safety measures should be taken to prevent accidental exposure in workplaces where it is used. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and affected individuals should be removed from the source of exposure and provided with fresh air.
6. Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether – (EGBE) is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor that is commonly used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and cleaning products. Exposure to EGBE can occur through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. Acute exposure to EGBE can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. High concentrations can also cause headache, dizziness, and nausea. Skin contact can cause irritation, redness, and chemical burns. Long-term exposure to EGBE can cause damage to the blood cells, leading to anemia, and damage to the liver and kidneys. Animal studies suggest that EGBE may be a potential reproductive and developmental toxin, although the evidence in humans is limited. EGBE has also been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) based on animal studies, although more research is needed to fully understand its potential carcinogenic effects in humans. Overall, exposure to EGBE should be minimized as much as possible, and appropriate safety measures should be taken to prevent accidental exposure in workplaces where it is used. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and affected individuals should be removed from the source of exposure and provided with fresh air.

As we can see above the majority of the chemicals cause harsh conditions for a person to breathe in. Acute exposure may cause chemical burns, irritation, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, headaches, and potentially unconsciousness. All of the chemicals listed above were part of the train during the train derailment in Ohio. This is most likely the reason the residents in the area were evacuated to reduce potential short-term harm caused by the mist, vapors, and gasses produced by the burn.

The long-term effects of the chemicals listed are wide ranging from simply respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma. However, much more serious effects of the chemicals involved in the controlled burn during the train derailment can be leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, liver damage, kidney damage, immune system disfunction, nerve damage, cancer, birth defects, and infertility. Essentially long-term risks for this train derailment can potentially kick in years down the line after the toxins have made their way through the human body causing significant damage.

Three days after the train derailment a decision was made by the company to do a controlled burn of the substances released on the crashed train cars. The main reason Norfolk Southern Corp stated they conducted the controlled burn is due to a large threat of explosion from the chemicals stored on the train cars. Many of them are highly flammable and the increasing temperature was causing a situation to build-up which may have involved an uncontrolled explosion. The CEO Alan Shaw stated it may have been the best alternative for public safety of the small village known as East Palestine.

Reasons for Train Derailments

There are five major reasons for train derailments, some of the main reasons include:

1. Track-related problems: Track-related problems such as defects in the rails, sleepers or ballast, inadequate maintenance of tracks, excessive wear and tear of rails, and changes in track geometry due to temperature fluctuations can cause derailments.
2. Equipment failure: Equipment failure, such as a broken wheel, axle or coupler, can cause a train to derail. Failures in braking systems, traction systems, or suspension systems can also cause derailments.
3. Human error: Human error, such as errors in signal operations, train dispatching, or train handling, can cause derailments. In addition, fatigue, distraction, and insufficient training or experience can also lead to human error.
4. Weather-related factors: Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or ice can cause the track to become slippery, which can lead to derailments. High winds can also cause instability in trains, leading to derailments.
5. Sabotage or terrorism: In rare cases, train derailments may be caused by acts of sabotage or terrorism, such as intentional damage to the tracks or the train itself.

Ensuring proper maintenance of tracks, equipment, and human resources, as well as mitigating weather-related risks and security threats, are essential for preventing train derailments. However, in recent years the devastating impact of train derailments have increased. Including hazardous chemicals entering the environment and large areas burning due to uncontrolled burns. Essentially there has been three main causes of increased hazardous regarding the rail industry.

The three reasons train derailments are more likely and can be more devastating is due to the fact that there have been several changes to the current rail industry. A main change is the fact that PSR or Precision Scheduled Railroading has been incorporated into the monopolies of railroad companies. Essentially they are trying to make more money for their company and shareholders of the company. Here are some of the causes of precision scheduled railroading which may have caused increased train derailments:

1. Trains have become larger and longer ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 feet or 2 or 3 mile long trains.
2. Workforce of the train industry has been cut to decrease costs and increase profits.
3. Reducing safety inspections and avoiding safety upgrades to train technology.

The three reasons listed above can be attributed to why dangerous trains have become more disastrous to the community, environment, and public safety. Trains becoming longer can make it more difficult for trains to stop and cause more train cars to derail causing more damage. Smaller workforce can account for harsher working conditions and difficulty in conducting proper safety measures to reduce incidents and accidents. Lastly, reducing safety inspection times and avoiding safety upgrades will cause more issues to become undetected and having older technology which may not be sufficient of protecting the safety and health of individuals in the immediate area.

Revenue From Railroad Companies

The revenue of railroad companies can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the company, the types of services provided, and the economic conditions of the regions they operate in. However, according to the Association of American Railroads, US freight railroads generated approximately $82.4 billion in revenue in 2020.

The revenue of railroad companies is used to cover operating expenses, such as labor, fuel, maintenance, and other costs associated with running the railroad. After deducting operating expenses, the revenue is used to fund capital expenditures, such as investments in infrastructure, rolling stock, and technology.

In addition, railroad companies also pay taxes, fees, and other charges to federal, state, and local governments. For example, railroad companies pay property taxes on the land they own, fuel taxes on diesel fuel, and various fees for using infrastructure and services provided by government agencies.

Furthermore, railroad companies may distribute some of their revenue to shareholders in the form of dividends or reinvest it in the business to fund growth and expansion. The revenue may also be used to pay down debt or repurchase shares of the company.

It is not uncommon for railroad companies to lobby the government for changes in regulations or policies that affect the railway industry. The specific issues and objectives that railroad companies may lobby for can vary depending on the company, the region they operate in, and the political and economic environment.

Some railroad companies may lobby for less regulation in the railway industry, arguing that excessive regulation can lead to higher costs, inefficiencies, and reduced competitiveness. For example, railroad companies may seek to streamline the permitting and approval process for new infrastructure projects, or to relax safety regulations that they deem to be overly burdensome or redundant.

Many shareholders in railway companies can include asset management companies including, but not limited to Vanguard, Blackrock, SSgA funds, and JP Morgan. The complications in these venture asset management companies can cause regarding the train derailment can include the fact that they also have many shares in news organizations. This has led to public scrutiny of the overall coverage of the incident with many speculating the environmental disaster has been downplayed and not completely covered.

Environmental Analysis

The worst part of the matter is that Norfolk Southern Corp hired their own testers to check if the contaminants in the air, water, and soil were above safe levels. Allegedly many of the tests came out to be negative even though the population in East Palestine stated they continue to smell the chemicals in the air. The local rivers were also affected through many videos shared online including the fact that disturbing the soil in the river would cause a chemical rainbow to appear and sit on top of the water. Many animals were also reported dying off who may have potentially been affected by the contaminants in the train derailment.

Many criticize the Environmental Protection Agency for allowing such falsehoods to be reported as safe. Michael Regan who is an EPA administrator stated that the air and water sample tests appeared safe and the pollutants did not affect the municipal water supply. However, many residents in the area are in disbelief as they continue experiencing acute symptoms in the area. As well as the fact that the water in their local rivers appear to still be contaminated by the pollutants involved in the train derailment.

Essentially the entire situation was a major debacle for the residents in East Palestine and many of them worry for their health, children’s health, and parent’s health. The substantial facts of the train derailment is that it may take time for illnesses to occur in the community and it may take just as long for the contaminants to fully affect the environment. There’s evidence suggesting that thousands of animals in the local area have become sick and died from the hazardous materials which were burned. Residents continue to feel symptoms of bronchitis which appear to be linked to the train derailment.

Conclusion

The train derailment from Norfolk Southern Corp has caused a massive problem in the lives of the East Palestine residents. They fear health effects, land value degradation, and potential environmental impacts in the area. Residents in East Palestine don’t necessarily believe the statements coming from officials and Norfolk about the train derailment. Many important issues have been brought up by the incident including the safety precautions which are often overlooked by massive railroad companies.

About three train derailments occurring every day with a total of above a thousand annually. Although freight train derailments have been reduced over the decades the incidents at which the occur seem to be more detrimental to the local communities. This includes thousands of gallons of hazardous chemicals being released into the environment. Profits are being considered as a priority amongst railway companies with lobbying into our officials causing more lax regulations. Safety has been cut massively by increasing the amount of rail cars and reducing the time of inspections over time.

Train derailments may happen in an area more local to people in the United States. As safety continues to be undervalued and profits are continuously being prioritized. Many assent management companies will continue to sink in investments into the companies and can potentially alter the information provided to Americans. Mostly due to the fact that they have investments in the rail companies and have investments into news organizations. Independent researchers and news may be the only way to continue providing information to the public.