The Ohio train derailment has started to create panic as the people living in the region has started to complain about multiple health issues. For the unversed, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the midwestern town on 3rd February 2023 releasing toxic chemicals into the air. Ever since then, residents have reported headaches, nausea, burning eyes, and sore throats. After the toxic train derailment, Ohio Department of Natural Resources informed that about 3,500 fish died off in the nearby creeks after the accident. However, US media quoted locals saying that they reported sick pets and dying chickens. Not only this, others have spoken of experiencing psychological trauma. Now, the question arises what was that train carrying inside after which the people and animals living in the region started to face health issues and even deaths.
The answer is vinyl chloride. As per reports, among the chemicals released in the incident was vinyl chloride, a colourless, hazardous gas that is used to make PVC plastic and vinyl products. It is also a known carcinogen. Acute exposure is linked to dizziness, drowsiness and headaches, while prolonged exposure can cause liver damage and a rare form of liver cancer. Interestingly, representatives from the train company Norfolk Southern did not attend a town hall meeting last week, where they had been scheduled to answer residents' questions. The company said it was concerned for the safety of its representatives. However, Congressman Bill Johnson faced the seething crowd. He said, "If you've got ailments and conditions that you did not have before 3 February, go to your doctor."
Now, with increasing anger and health issues among residents, officials in East Palestine, Ohio, are opening a health clinic for residents after a train accident sparked health fears. Ohio Department of Health director Bruce Vanderhoff said he encouraged anyone with medical concerns or questions to attend the clinic, which opens on Tuesday. "I heard you, the state heard you, and now the Ohio Department of Health and many of our partner agencies are providing this clinic, where people can come and discuss these vital issues with medical providers," Bruce Vanderhoff said in a statement as reported by a US media.
Here's what the aftermath of Ohio toxic train derailment looks like-
A user wrote, "Aftermath of Ohio train derailment. America’s Chernobyl indeed. Oh wait….. I don’t remember Ohio having so much towers."
Aftermath of Ohio train derailment. America’s Chernobyl indeed.
— The Great Translation Movement 大翻译运动官方推号 (@TGTM_Official) February 17, 2023
Oh wait….. I don’t remember Ohio having so much towers.#OhioChemicalDisaster #TheGreatTranslationMovement pic.twitter.com/2eRD5u4bUJ
Another user wrote, "The Ohio train derailment and toxic release has potentially huge environmental, economic and public health ramifications. And yet we have a 10 day wall of silence by the US government who appear to be very selective about what environmental issues they are willing to discuss."
The Ohio train derailment and toxic release has potentially huge environmental, economic and public health ramifications. And yet we have a 10 day wall of silence by the US government who appear to be very selective about what environmental issues they are willing to discuss. pic.twitter.com/V83s5y0qpY
— James Melville (@JamesMelville) February 14, 2023
"The train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio and the subsequent lack of honest journalism surrounding it should tell you everything you need to know about the late stage capitalist hellhole we live in" wrote another user.
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The train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio and the subsequent lack of honest journalism surrounding it should tell you everything you need to know about the late stage capitalist hellhole we live in. 1/ pic.twitter.com/kkPHWIcYcU
— Peace, Bread & Land ☭ 🎈 (@MidatlanticMarx) February 11, 2023