Experts Warn Toxic Chemicals , Could Reach 100-Mile Radius , of East Palestine Spill.
'Newsweek' spoke with experts about the toxic mixture of
chemicals and carcinogens released from the derailed
Norfolk Southern Railway train in Ohio on February 3. .
According to those experts,
the impact of this disaster could spread
many miles out from the crash site. .
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that
chemicals aboard the train when it derailed include
vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate and ethylene glycol monobutyl.
'Newsweek' reports that due to the volatile nature
of many of those chemicals, authorities performed
a "controlled burn" to prevent an explosion.
Phosphene gas, which was used as a chemical
weapon in World War I, is what vinyl chloride
transforms into when burned.
Phosphene gas, which was used as a chemical
weapon in World War I, is what vinyl chloride
transforms into when burned.
'Newsweek' reports that a number of
the toxic chemicals have been detected in
nearby waterways since the derailment. .
Dead fish have reportedly been found in local
streams. Pets and livestock have also died since
the spill and the subsequent "controlled burn.".
Residents have reported symptoms that include , breathing difficulties and burning eyes. .
On February 8, residents were told that
air levels were considered safe.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said air quality was, "basically similar to what they would
have expected prior to the train wreck.".
According to Kirk Kollar, an Ohio EPA
representative, the levels of toxic chemicals
in nearby rivers "were immediately toxic to fish."