At Abogados Centro Legal, we know that tragedies come without warning. Last February 3, 2023, there was a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which resulted in terrible consequences, including explosions and the spill of hazardous chemicals.
What is known so far?
A train collision in East Palestine, Ohio, spilled hazardous chemicals and caused a fire. Since then, local residents have become sick and are concerned about what this will mean for their long-term health. State and federal government officials say that air and water are not dangerous, but experts believe that further investigation is needed. Unfortunately, some people are spreading false information and discussing politics instead of helping. Conservatives blame President Biden for not doing enough to help the community. This is what we know and don’t know about what happened.
The Consequences
Around 20 train cars traveling from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania, were transporting hazardous materials. The compounds released into the environment included:
These chemicals have been shown to cause physical symptoms in people who come into contact with them.
The Big Problem and the Environmental Protection Agency
Dioxins are toxic pollutants that may have formed when the vinyl chloride cargo burned. Because they take a while to break down, they could pose a long-term threat to area residents.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has been trying to reduce the production of these materials for decades, as they can cause cancer, interfere with hormones, and cause damage to the reproductive and immune systems.
People living in and around East Palestine have complained of headaches, coughs, rashes, and other classic symptoms of exposure to chemicals. Although it is still unclear whether this chemical spill is affecting East Palestine residents, it is a fact that the environmental hazards that come with such negligent accidents can have medium and long-term consequences.
Unfortunately, this is not something new. However, it is important to know that at Abogados Centro Legal, we are pooling our efforts to support victims of chemical exposure to get the compensation they deserve.
If you require immediate legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach out to Abogados Centro Legal at 205 940 2233 or schedule your free consultation.
