Ohio Hazardous Chemical Exposure Attorney

Lawyer for Those Exposed to Toxic Chemicals in the Norfolk Southern Train Derailment in Ohio

On February 3, 2023, a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, which is located near the border between Ohio and Pennsylvania. This train, which was operated by Norfolk Southern Railway, was carrying hazardous materials, and the derailment resulted in the release of toxic substances into the environment, as well as a fire that burned for several days. To prevent an explosion and ensure that the fire could be kept under control, a controlled burn was performed. However, this may have resulted in toxic chemicals becoming even more widespread, with smoke from the fire reaching numerous surrounding areas in Ohio and Pennsylvania, including parts of Allegheny County and communities in the Pittsburgh area.

While the ongoing effects of this derailment and chemical exposure are yet to be determined, it is likely that thousands of people in the areas near the accident have been and will continue to be affected. Toxic chemical exposure can cause a variety of serious health issues, and people who suffer harm due to this incident may need to take action to address the ways they have been affected. At Colianni & Leonard LLC, we have represented clients in numerous cases involving toxic chemicals and other dangerous substances. We understand the legal issues that often play a role in these matters, and we are prepared to take the proper measures to ensure that a company responsible for releasing toxic substances into the community is held liable for the injuries, medical issues, and other forms of harm suffered by victims.

Toxic Substances That May Affect People Near the Train Derailment

The train that derailed in this incident was transporting multiple types of hazardous chemicals that may have been released into the air, water, and soil. The fires and controlled burn that occurred in the days following the accident may have caused many of these chemicals to spread via smoke, causing people to inhale or be exposed to these dangerous substances. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified several toxic substances that may cause harm to people in the areas surrounding the accident, including:

• Vinyl chloride - This gas is used to make PVC plastics. It is highly flammable, and when it burns, it creates toxic fumes. Exposure to vinyl chloride may lead to different forms of cancer, including liver cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia.
• Hydrogen chloride - This gas is produced when vinyl chloride burns, and when inhaled, it can be very irritating to the throat, lungs, eyes, and skin. Exposure to high levels of hydrogen chloride can result in swelling of the throat and potential suffocation, as well as narrowing of the bronchioles in the lungs, accumulation of fluid in the lungs, and other issues that may affect a person's ability to breathe. In some cases, people who are exposed to this chemical may experience ongoing respiratory problems, including a form of asthma known as reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS).
• Phosgene - This gas is also produced by the burning of vinyl chloride, and it can cause irritation and damage to the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, and skin. People affected may experience symptoms such as coughing, blurred vision, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, skin lesions, and fluid in the lungs. In serious cases, a person may have difficulty breathing or experience low blood pressure or heart failure. The long-term effects of phosgene exposure include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• Butyl acrylate - This liquid chemical is used to make paints and adhesives. It is flammable, and people who inhale or are exposed to the chemical after it is released into the atmosphere through a chemical spill or smoke may experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, itching and redness in the skin, or damage to the nervous system. In serious cases, a person may experience permanent lung damage.
• Ethylene glycol monobutyl - This chemical is used as a solvent, and it is highly toxic. Exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and the central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and circulatory system may also be affected. It is also a carcinogen that may cause liver cancer.
• Ethylhexyl acrylate - This liquid chemical is used in the manufacturing of plastics and paints. It can cause irritation of the eyes and skin, and exposure to high amounts may cause a person to experience seizures or drowsiness.

Contact Our Pittsburgh Toxic Chemical Exposure Attorneys

If you have experienced health issues following the Norfolk Southern train derailment, or if you are concerned about how the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment may affect the health of yourself and your family, Colianni & Leonard LLC can help you understand your legal options. We will work with you to determine the steps you can take to address the harm you have suffered, and we will help you take steps to ensure that negligent companies are held responsible for putting you and others in your community at risk. To arrange a free consultation with our lawyers, contact us by putting your name and contact information below and we will contact you.