Additional Toxic Chemicals Reportedly Discovered in Ohio Train Crash and Fire


Officials in East Palestine, Ohio, have discovered three new substances in the aftermath of the Norfolk Southern train crash and controlled burning of hazardous goods.

The Environmental Protection Agency claimed that derailed train wagons included the chemicals ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, and isobutylene. Additionally, the EPA described the compounds as hazardous and poisonous.

The update follows the debate surrounding the accident and the following fire. A West Virginia water utility company that provides services to more than 500,000 people in 24 states stated that it was bolstering protection for its water supply by improving its treatment process and installing a secondary intake in the Guyandotte River in the event that it needed to switch water sources.

Image source: The Independent

West Virginia American Water stated to the Associated Press, “The health and safety of our consumers is our first priority, and there are presently no drinking water advisories in effect for our customers.”

Despite the Ohio EPA’s promises, there is growing worried that toxic elements from the fire and accident will continue to pollute the air, soil, and water.

“Surface water sample data from February 4 indicate the presence of pollutants related to the Norfolk Southern derailment,” the agency stated in a statement. “We expect pollutants to decay and dilute over time without causing further harm to aquatic species.”

Image source: The Guardian

On February 12, the state EPA also conducted air quality testing and reported that the chemicals discovered did not warrant concern.

East Palestine has approximately 4,700 people, of which 2,000 were forced to flee the area. According to The New York Times, some locals resorted to social media to report that animals were beginning to perish, to complain about headaches, and to express feeling ill. Others observed the cloudy sky and stated that the billowing plume of the chemical burnoff obscured the sun.