by Lance D Johnson, DC Clothesline:
East Palestine, Ohio was just bombarded with an estimated 1.1 million pounds of vinyl chloride – a well-known human carcinogen. Norfolk Southern were allowed to deliberately release the 1.1 million pounds of vinyl chloride from five of their derailed tanker cars, so authorities could extinguish fires and clear the tracks. Then, the vinyl chloride was foolishly burned in pits, releasing an insurmountable level of dioxins that multiply the toxicity of the vinyl chloride.
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Deliberate release of vinyl chloride is an act of ecological terrorism
Vinyl chloride is a volatile gas used to make polyvinyl chloride hard plastic resin, (PVC pipes) and other co-polymers. As a liquid, it is stored and transported under pressure. When burned, it can send more toxic chemicals into the air, like gas phosgene, hydrogen chloride, and dioxins.
After the deliberate release of vinyl chloride from the tanker cars, authorities estimate that Norfolk Southern released more vinyl chloride into the environment in just one week than was released by all industrial sources in 2021. To make matters worse, this release is an acute exposure, with hepatic, neurological, and fetal consequences for the residents in the area. Studies show that workers exposed to vinyl chloride can develop a unique type of cancer called angiosarcoma of the liver. Others exposed to vinyl chloride develop nerve damage and experience alterations with their immune system. The act of intentionally releasing and burning vinyl chloride in pits will go down as an act of ecological terrorism, with human health consequences for years to come.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen through both the inhalation and oral route of exposure. Because the chemical acts systemically, it is also carcinogenic by the dermal route as well. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has vinyl chloride listed as a category 1 substance (carcinogenic to humans).
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates vinyl chloride exposures. The permissible exposure limit is 1 ppm(2.6 mg/m 3) averaged over an 8-hour period or a short-term exposure of no more than 5 ppm over a 15-minute period. When the concentration exceeds these levels, employers must create an area of controlled access and a respirator program conforming to OSHA standards.
