United States: the consequences of the spill of dangerous substances after the train accident in Ohio

Since the beginning of February, a fact has kept a sector of the population of Ohio on constant alert and concern, in USA, after a train carrying chemicals derailed and caused a large fire. Since then many have wondered what consequences could all this have?

He February 3rd the population of East Palestine, Ohio (USA) was shocked after different international media reported that a train 150 wagons It lost control of its path, ending up crashing and spilling dangerous chemicals.

The train belonged to Norfolk Southern one of the most important railway companies in the USA.

WHAT WERE THE CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENT?

Although the investigations continue to determine the causes of the accident, Deutsche Welle maintained that this fact is attributed to a mechanical problem in the axis of the wagons.

WHAT DID THE GOVERNOR OF OHIO SAY?

According to Perfil.com, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine spoke after what happened in East Palestine.

“There is a possibility of a catastrophic tanker failure that could cause an explosion with deadly shrapnel within a mile radius”, indicated the authority according to the aforementioned medium.

WHAT CHEMICAL PRODUCTS WERE TRANSPORTED?

According to Deutsche Welle of the 50 wagons casualty, 10 of them transported substances toxic chemicals and highly flammable materials. These products include:

• butyl acrylate
• ethylhexyl acrylate
• Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether
• Vinyl chloride

WHAT IS VINYL CHLORIDE?

What has generated great concern in the population is the spill of vinyl chloridewhich is a harmful substance for human beings.

This was indicated by Sport.es, ensuring that vinyl chloride is a lethal product for living beings.

“The first reports already warn that dead fish and animals have been found more than 150 miles from where the disaster occurred. The symptoms after being exposed to this element are the development of different types of cancers. In addition to death by poisoning”reads the article.

In turn, Prtr-es maintains that this substance is known as chloroethylene, which is a colorless gas that has a slightly sweet odor. In addition, he ensures that this chemical can be formed by the decomposition of other substances such as trichloroethane, trichlorethylene and tetrachlorethylene.

This product is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material used to make plastic products, including pipes, wire casings, cables, etc.

WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DOES IT GENERATE IN PEOPLE?

The DW also maintained that vinyl chloride could have serious consequences for people who become intoxicated with it. Meanwhile, Prtr-es indicated more details in this regard, noting that:

• short exposure

If the exposure is of short duration in the Humans causes eye irritation. The portal also adds that it could have consequences for the central nervous system and decreased consciousness.

• long exposure

If the person is exposed for a long time, this substance could affect the liver, lungs and connective tissue. “It is classified as carcinogenic to humans and can cause hereditary genetic damage,” the article adds.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE COMPANY?

Currently the Norfolk Southern company would face a federal lawsuit organized by various residents who were affected and request to pay for the damages caused in a radius of 50 kilometers.