Several of the train cars that derailed in Ohio contained toxic chemicals that are used to make plastic products. We discuss the environmental and health impacts of these chemicals and our growing reliance on plastics.
On this edition of Your Call’s One Planet Series, we discuss the environmental and health impacts of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio and our growing reliance on plastics.
Derailed train cars were carrying several petrochemicals, including vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen. Vinyl chloride exposure is associated with an increased risk of a rare form of liver cancer, primary liver cancer, brain and lung cancers, lymphoma, and leukemia, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Guests:
Angela Slitt, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island
Judith Enck, senior fellow and visiting faculty member in the Center for the Advancement of Public Action at Bennington College, president of Beyond Plastics, and former EPA Regional Administrator with the Obama administration