Next Stop: Chemical and Economic Derailment

On February 3rd, 2023, in the village of East Palestine, Ohio, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals, including vinyl chloride, derailed and exploded. This caused many problems for residents and the environment. One problem is how residents of East Palestine were evacuated due to the number of harmful and hazardous chemicals released, including the scent of vinyl chlorine, which is highly toxic, can kill quickly and increases the chances of cancer. 

Residents were allowed back on February 8th after air and water tests were completed, determining it was safe to return. Subsequently, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, wrote an email on February 16th to the CDC. The email stated, “This request for medical experts includes, but is not limited to, physicians and behavioral health specialists.” This indicates he brought in the CDC and medical experts to sample the water and air clearing and that they were safe. However, numerous residents were not convinced and chose not to return.  With the smell of chemicals still in the air and viewing photos and videos of dead fish, many believe the air and water are still toxic, which could cause many health problems. The chemicals have soaked into the soil, ruining their farmland. Many residents were physically affected by this and experienced health problems, including headaches, chemical burns, chemical rashes, lung damage, sore throats and nausea. Jenna Cozza, a resident of East Palestine, stated, “My two 13-year-old sisters and mom just got diagnosed with chemical burns and lung damage. My friends have chemical rashes on them, myself- I’m getting sick. I’m having a hard time breathing and I have a constant headache that won’t go away.” She further explains that she does not trust the local or federal government because they stated it is safe to return to East Palestine even when residents said they could still smell a chemical odor. 

Cozza also talks about how the government should be helping move residents that do not have a vehicle or the money to move. Although, the Norfolk Southern train corporation will be trying to help support East Palestine by donating 1.2 million in financial aid and offering a 1,000 dollar check to residents for an Inconvenience fee. On Wednesday, February 15th, Mayor Trent Conway spoke and answered questions at a town hall meeting from worried residents about the chemical leak from the train. Norfolk Southern did not show up and instead sent a statement. “Unfortunately, after consulting with the community leaders, we have become increasingly concerned about the growing physical threat to our employees,” they said. This left many residents mad that Norfolk Southern thought they would get violent and pose a physical threat when the railroad caused a physical danger to the residents of East Palestine. There are no easy answers here and this tragedy will undoubtedly have a long-term effect on this community.