On February 3, 2023, a train carrying hazardous chemicals, including toxic vinyl chloride, derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Vinyl chloride is a deadly toxic chemical used to create polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most widely produced plastics in the world used to make flooring, pipes, and packaging. From production through disposal, vinyl chloride threatens public health and contaminates the environment. Exposure to vinyl chloride is linked to a higher risk of cancer. Additionally, a toxic chemical known as dioxin is formed when chlorinated chemicals like vinyl chloride are burned. Dioxins are highly toxic and can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, and can interfere with hormones.
The derailment resulted in the release of vinyl chloride, and potentially other toxic chemicals, into Ohio communities’ air and water. We need a system where we use less toxic chemicals and prevent this kind of disaster. In the meantime, we encourage Ohio and national leaders to respond to communities’ needs and demands and encourage those who are concerned to connect with the following organizations who are responding to the disaster:
