Environmental and private property contamination following the Norfolk Southern chemical spill and chemical fires in Ohio

Abstract

In February 2023, a train derailment in Ohio caused a chemical spill and fires releasing contaminants into the air, soil, waterways, and buildings. The authors conducted a rapid response which included six field investigations and bench-scale experiments to understand the chemical identity, fate, and exposure pathways after the evacuation order was lifted. Multiple buildings were chemically contaminated and silicone wristband products inside a commercial building were found to have adsorbed derailment-related chemicals. The indoor air of this commercial building was found to be contaminated for 4.5 months after the derailment. Derailment chemicals were also found on building exteriors 5 weeks after the incident. Railcar chemicals were detected in the nearby creeks. Cleanup activities (sorbent pads, aerators) as well as creek hydraulic and environmental conditions influenced chemical fate in creeks. Creek mechanical aeration activities prompted VOC emission that contributed to human exposures and vapor intrusion. Atmospheric modeling revealed that the chemical plumes extended beyond the evacuation zone. Water was a consequential media associated with contaminant transport and human exposures found in the present study. Because the complexity, magnitude, and health threats posed to the community were not matched by efforts employed by the responding organizations, the population experienced continued exposures for months; workers as well as town visitors also experienced health symptoms. This study revealed unaddressed human exposure pathways. Also identified were crucial gaps requiring improved decision-making and technologies. Recommendations to better protect human health and the environment before and during a response to chemical incidents are provided.