EPA takes first step to review safety of chemical in East Palestine crash

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began the review process for vinyl chloride, the toxic substance that spilled in the town of East Palestine, Ohio, in February, in the first step toward further restrictions or a potential ban.

Vinyl chloride is one of five substances the agency announced Thursday it will review under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Under the law, the EPA will make a decision in 12 months on whether to designate the chemicals as “high-priority substances,” which will prompt a risk evaluation.

The move does not guarantee the EPA will ban the substance, but it is the first step in a process that could end with a ban or further restrictions. The agency will take at least three years to make a determination on whether the substance creates an “unreasonable risk to human health or the environment.” 

Vinyl chloride, a hazardous chemical used in the production of plastics, was one of the chemicals spilled in East Palestine in February when a train operated by the Norfolk Southern railroad derailed. Although no one was killed or injured by the derailment, concerns have lingered about potential fumes from the chemicals, particularly after local authorities set a controlled burn to avert a potential explosion.

In addition to vinyl chloride, the agency will evaluate acetaldehyde, acrylonitrile, benzenamine and 4,4’-methylene bis (2-chloroaniline), otherwise known as MBOCA.  

“We’ve learned a lot from the situation in East Palestine — which is not the only vinyl chloride contamination event, as some would like you to believe. If you live along the rail line, you are at risk for the same fate with every passing train that is transporting toxic chemicals,” said Beyond Plastics Appalachia director Jess Conard, a resident of East Palestine, in a statement. “The disaster in my community is a symptom and yet another grim warning of the cost of plastics and the inevitable dangers of vinyl chloride production and transportation.”