A train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, has brought problems to the town, but it is also creating problems for nearby cities, their residents, and environmental agencies trying to keep the bad situation from getting worse. What was on the railcars? Why were they ignited? What are the environmental and health effects of this catastrophe?

On February 3, 2023, a train traveling from Madison, Ill., to Norfolk Penn., carrying a wide range of products, was derailed after it had some mechanical issues. Specifically, there were 50 cars derailed, but when they caught fire, it affected another 12 cars. Not all 50 cars were carrying toxic materials (such as vinyl chloride) - some carried wheat and malt liquor.

East Palestine is under a state of emergency with temporary evacuation orders. The order was lifted on February 8.

To reduce the risk of a greater explosion and more runoff, having more hazardous materials spread, authorities decided to do a controlled release of five derailed cars by burning them. The ignition caused some explosions, but these were controlled. [RP1] Before this, authorities advised residents within a 2 miles radius to remain indoors, with windows and doors closed. Residents within a closer radius were asked to evacuate.

Five of the derailed cars contained vinyl chloride. This material is used to make a variety of plastic products. This material, especially when burned, has a record of causing cancer in humans that have been exposed for a long time to the flumes, ranging from leukemia to lung cancer. Short-time exposure could also cause some effects such as dizziness, rashes, and headaches.

The fire is out, but the effects of the accident and burn continue to affect many residents of East Palestine. On Tuesday, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Heath said at a press conference that "From the very start of this, we have taken every step possible to assure that people's safety was first and foremost".

While the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB, continues to investigate and is estimated to have a report on the accident in about two weeks, residents are left wondering if there will be long-term effects. The Environmental Protection Agency has monitored the air and has not detected levels of concern.

Water tests show very low levels of contamination, but vinyl chloride is not one of the contaminants found. Authorities say that the water is safe to drink, except for those who drink from private wells. Private well water should continue to be tested and bottled water should be used while the testing continues.

Dead fish have been showing up in rivers. The initial explosion could have led contaminant runoff to reach the Ohio River, which is likely the cause of the fish kills. Authorities say that the size of the Ohio River can dilute pollutants quickly.