On February 3, in East Palestine, Ohio, United States, a train carrying hazardous materials exploded, raising fears among residents of a potential environmental disaster.
Approximately 50 of its 150 railcars, including ten carrying hazardous materials, derailed near the Pennsylvania state line in northeast Ohio. According to Associated Pressthe train accident operated by Norfolk Southern caused the spill of vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate, chemicals used in industrial processes.
One of the deadliest environmental emergencies?
According to a memo sent last week by the Greater Cincinnati Water Works, the accident also caused butyl acrylate to reach the Ohio River, threatening water resources on which at least 25 million American citizens depend.
In interview for Spectrum NewsJeff Swertfeger, the Water Works’ water quality and treatment superintendent, reported that water samples taken showed “unbelievably low levels” of the chemical.
Yet despite authorities reassuring evacuated residents in recent days that it was safe to return, many refuse to do so. According to CNN, they are concerned about long-term risks that environmental officials are just beginning to assess.
In an interview for ABC, Kevin Crist, a professor at Ohio University, warned about the risk of developing cancer of the liver and other organs for those who are exposed to vinyl chloride.
For its part, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintained that “studies in humans and animals show higher rates of liver, lung, and various other types of cancer” in those who are exposed to this substance.
In accordance with The New York PostIn recent days, hundreds of reports of animals killed by poisoning in nearby areas have flooded social networks. An estimated 3,500 fish have died in the derailment, including pets of evacuated residents who returned home, stoking fears of the possible impact on people’s health.
Between concerns and alarmism, from Greenpeace to other environmental associations there have been calls to directly consult the president of the United States, Joe Biden, in an attempt to have more clarity.
Among the accusations is, above all, the fact that not enough is said about what happened. In fact, there appears to be a “total lack of interest” in what could be one of the “most damaging environmental emergencies” of recent years.
“The Ohio Chernobyl”
On social media, many users question whether all the necessary information is being disseminated about what some are calling a “chemical Chernobyl” and the “Ohio Chernobyl,” while the government dismisses public concerns about a health catastrophe by being most concerned about recent sightings and downings of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in US airspace.
Some conspiracy ideas even suggest that the political approach to the subject of UFOs and their media coverage is a smokescreen to cloud this terrible environmental catastrophe.