Frequently Asked Questions
Just before 9 p.m., Feb. 3, 2023, a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, on Taggart Street. Approximately 50 railcars were involved in the derailment, eleven of which contained hazardous materials.
Several local, state, and federal agencies responded to the incident along with the railroad and its emergency response contractors. A precautionary evacuation and shelter-in-place was ordered to ensure the safety of the public. The air was monitored 24 hours a day throughout the evacuation zone and in the community outside the evacuation zone. The results of air monitoring indicated no detections of vinyl chloride in the community and supported that the air was safe for residents to return home.
The table below provides a list of the commodities that were being transported. These materials are essential for producing a wide range of products and materials that are essential to everyday life:
| SUBSTANCE | DOT Regulated Hazardous Material | COMMON USE |
|---|---|---|
| Butyl Acrylate | Yes | Used in polymer manufacturing, textile and leather finishing. Also used in formulating paints, coatings, caulks, sealants, adhesives |
| Vinyl Chloride | Yes | Used to make PVC, a material widely used in automotive parts, packaging products, pipes, construction materials, furniture, and a variety of other products |
| Combustible Liquid, NOS: Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether | Yes | Used as solvent in surface coatings. Also used in hydraulic fluids, glass cleaners, and leather cleaners. Used as a solvent in paints, coatings, inks, metal cleaners, and household cleaners |
| Combustible Liquid, NOS: Ethylhexyl Acrylate | Yes | Used in plastics, protective coatings, and paper treatment. Also used in water-based paints, adhesives, and printing inks |
| Propylene Glycol | No | Used in antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, boats, and aircraft; also used as a solvent for paints and plastics and to create harmless, artificial smoke for training and theatrical purposes |
| Petroleum Lube Oil | No | Used for both automotive and industrial applications to reduce friction and wear between bearing metallic surfaces |
| Diethylene Glycol | No | Used as a humectant in tobacco, synthetic sponges, glues, paper products, and more. Also used as a lubricating and finishing agent to make materials including wool, rayon, and silk. Used in dyes, as well lacquers, cosmetics, antifreeze solutions for sprinkler systems; water seals for gas tanks, brake fluids, lubricants, mold release agents, and inks. |
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For questions about specific resources available to residents, please visit or contact the Family Assistance Center in East Palestine.
Results from air monitoring conducted by contractors in conjunction with the Ohio EPA and the U.S. EPA indicate no danger to you, your pets, house plants, trees, shrubs, or lawns.
For any additional assistance or information please reach out to the Family Assistance Center or EPA.
Results from the Columbiana County Health District continuous water testing of the East Palestine municipal well have shown no water quality concerns.
A network of groundwater monitoring wells have been installed around the derailment site and the results continue to show no impacts to the groundwater.
Residents should also know that the local creeks and streams do not supply drinking water, so any impact to the surface water does not pose a threat to your drinking water.
For any additional assistance or information please reach out to the Family Assistance Center or EPA.For any additional assistance or information please reach out to the Family Assistance Center or EPA.
You can read about Norfolk Southern’s community support here.
Questions
Our work is underway. Crews are cleaning the site thoroughly, responsibly, and safely. Our Family Assistance Center is helping community members meet immediate needs.
The above page may have an answer for your question, but if it does not, we want to hear from you so we can provide you with the up-to-date information for you and your family.
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