After a freight train loaded with chemicals derailed in the US state of Ohio, residents are concerned about the health consequences. Since the accident, there have been complaints about headaches, irritated eyes and skin rashes. The US Environmental Protection Agency is trying to appease.
During a visit to the scene of the accident in the city of Eastern Palestine, EPA Director Michael Regan tried to calm the local population. “We are assisting local authorities in determining the impact of the accident and making sure there is no impact on the drinking water supply,” said Regan.
“Shattered to the Ground”
Both the water and the air are regularly tested for hazardous contaminants. “This incident understandably shocked this community to the core.” The train derailed and caught fire in early February. A huge plume of smoke hung over the community near the Pennsylvania state line. Eastern Palestine was temporarily evacuated.
Since the accident, residents have complained of health problems, including headaches, eye irritation and skin rashes. They accuse the authorities of an incomplete information policy and feel abandoned. The Norfolk Southern Railway Company has also been criticized for failing to meet with residents.
“Dead worms and fish everywhere”
James David Vance, Republican senator for Ohio, sharply criticized those responsible. He posted a video on Thursday showing him near a creek near the accident site, which appears to be contaminated by the pollutants. “There are dead worms and dead fish in the water everywhere,” he says. He stirs up the creek bed with a branch, immediately a glistening, oily film appears on the surface of the water. “You see the chemicals rising. This is disgusting!” he exclaims. He called on “Norfolk Southern” to consistently continue the cleanup.
However, EPA Director Regan said no traces of chemicals such as vinyl chloride or hydrogen chloride were found when 480 homes were examined. “The health and safety of the population is our top priority,” said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre. Local authorities now fear that rain could wash pollutants into local streams and rivers.
At the same time, the state civil protection service tried to appease the residents. Odors could be detected. Part of the released contaminants has a low odor threshold. These pollutants can therefore be smelled at levels well below what is considered dangerous.
Second train derailed
Meanwhile, another train from the same railroad derailed Thursday in Michigan. However, according to official information, no hazardous substances were released. There have also been no injuries.
The train with about 30 cars derailed in a suburb of Detroit. According to authorities, one car was loaded with liquid chlorine, but it was well away from the derailed cars and was one of the first cars to be removed. Of the overturned wagons, one was loaded with grain and the rest were empty, authorities said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
