EPA Announces Review of Cancer-Causing Chemical Risks After Ohio Train Derailment

EPA Announces Review of , Cancer-Causing Chemical Risks , After Ohio Train Derailment.

Fox News reports that the Biden administration has initiated an evaluation of cancer risks caused by chemicals released in a major train derailment in Ohio earlier this year.

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Fox News reports that the Biden administration has initiated an evaluation of cancer risks caused by chemicals released in a major train derailment in Ohio earlier this year.

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The fiery accident in East Palestine, Ohio, involved the release of vinyl chloride, a cancer-causing chemical, in a towering cloud of toxic black smoke.

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The fiery accident in East Palestine, Ohio, involved the release of vinyl chloride, a cancer-causing chemical, in a towering cloud of toxic black smoke.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will investigate the risks posed by not only vinyl chloride, but a number of other chemicals released in the crash.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will investigate the risks posed by not only vinyl chloride, but a number of other chemicals released in the crash.

According to the EPA, the agency will determine whether the chemicals pose an , "unreasonable risk to human health or the environment.".

According to the EPA, the agency will determine whether the chemicals pose an , "unreasonable risk to human health or the environment.".

The EPA estimates the process will take at least three years.

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Michal Freedhoff, the assistant EPA administrator for chemical safety and pollution prevention, said the study , "is key to better-protecting people from toxic exposure.".

Michal Freedhoff, the assistant EPA administrator for chemical safety and pollution prevention, said the study , "is key to better-protecting people from toxic exposure.".

Fox News reports that both environmental and public health activists have called the review of these chemicals long overdue.

Vinyl chloride was classified as a human carcinogen in 1974.

That same year, the federal government wisely banned the use of vinyl chloride in hair sprays, refrigerants, cosmetics and drugs, Judith Enck, former EPA regional administrator and president of the advocacy group Beyond Plastics, via Fox News.

Fox News reports that the February 3 derailment of the Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine put a spotlight on the decades-long debate over vinyl chloride.

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Nearly one year after the accident, residents of the eastern Ohio town remain concerned about potential health impacts, despite state and federal officials saying they are safe