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.
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According to those experts, the impact of this disaster could spread many miles out from the crash site.
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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.
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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.
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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."
