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Hazardous Chemicals

All articles tagged with #hazardous chemicals

business1 year ago

"Norfolk Southern Reaches $600M Settlement for Ohio Train Derailment"

Norfolk Southern has reached a $600 million settlement to resolve all class-action lawsuits within 20 miles of its 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, derailment that spilled hazardous chemicals. The settlement, if approved, will provide compensation for individuals and businesses affected by the spill, with additional compensation for residents within 10 miles of the derailment. Despite the settlement, some residents still report health problems, and several class-action lawsuits claim the company has not done enough to remediate the area. Norfolk Southern's shares fell 2% in premarket trading following the news.

via CNN|
#business#class-action-lawsuits#derailment
health-and-safety1 year ago

"Citywide Health Warning in Japan After Cat Falls Into Vat of Toxic Chemicals"

A cat fell into a vat of hazardous chemicals at a plating factory in Fukuyama, Japan, sparking a citywide health warning. The chemical, hexavalent chromium, is known to be cancer-causing and can induce rashes and inflammation if touched or inhaled. Despite neighborhood searches, the cat remains missing, and it is uncertain whether it is alive. Experts express doubt about the cat's survival after potential exposure to the substance.

via CNN|
#cat#hazardous-chemicals#health-and-safety
politics1 year ago

"Biden's Visit to East Palestine One Year After Toxic Train Wreck"

President Biden plans to visit East Palestine, Ohio, to mark the one-year anniversary of a train derailment that spilled hazardous chemicals. The visit aims to assess the administration's progress in protecting the community and holding the responsible railroad, Norfolk Southern, accountable. Despite assurances of safety from federal, state, and local authorities, residents remain concerned about lingering pollution and potential health impacts. The Biden administration has taken steps to address the situation, including issuing an Executive Order and urging Congress to pass rail safety legislation. Norfolk Southern is under federal order to cover cleanup costs, and the U.S. Department of Justice is suing the company under the Clean Water Act.

via cleveland.com|
#east-palestine#environmental-protection#hazardous-chemicals
environment2 years ago

Toxic Air Lingers: Ohio Train Derailment Leaves Hazardous Chemicals in its Wake

A study conducted by researchers from Carnegie Mellon and Texas A&M universities reveals that high levels of acrolein, a chemical irritant, were detected near the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, weeks after the incident. The levels of acrolein were up to six times higher than normal levels recorded before the disaster, raising concerns about potential health risks from longer-term exposure. The study also found elevated levels of formamide, which can cause eye and skin irritation, drowsiness, and nausea. Residents continue to experience symptoms and seek answers about the cause. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) detected acrolein as well, but the researchers' measurements were more sensitive. The researchers emphasize the complexity of the chemical mixture and the need for further investigation into the health effects of the contaminants.

via NBC News|
#acrolein#air-pollution#environment
accidents2 years ago

Ammonium Nitrate Tanker Overturns, Causes Evacuations on Maryland Highway

A tanker carrying hazardous chemicals flipped on I-81 southbound, causing the closure of the stretch of I-81 between Halfway Boulevard and U.S. 40. The driver was taken to the hospital with a head injury, but no other injuries or damaged vehicles were reported. The tanker was carrying ammonium nitrate and diesel gel, but there was no risk of combustion. Orica USA Inc. confirmed that the driver did not appear to have serious injuries and that the company's vehicle is built to move dangerous materials safely. The cause of the accident was a blown-out wheel.

via Herald-Mail Media|
#accidents#hazardous-chemicals#i-81
environment2 years ago

"UN treaty talks aim to reduce global plastic pollution by 80%"

As talks begin on a global plastics treaty, countries are debating whether to limit plastic production or focus on recycling. A 55-nation coalition is calling for a strong treaty including restrictions on hazardous chemicals and bans on problematic plastics products. The U.N. Environment Programme has released a blueprint for reducing plastic waste by 80% by 2040, focusing on reuse, recycling, and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials. Environmental groups criticize the report for focusing on waste management, which they see as a concession to the global plastics and petrochemicals industry. The industry has put mechanical and chemical recycling at the center of its position.

via Reuters|
#circular-economy#environment#global-plastics-treaty
transportation2 years ago

Norfolk Southern CEO Apologizes and Testifies Before Ohio Senate on Rail Safety Concerns.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw has apologized for the derailment of rail cars carrying hazardous chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, but is resisting proposals to mandate train crews of at least two people. The company has committed more than $30 million in funds to support East Palestine's residents, first responders and community organizations, including $13 million in support to more than 7,600 families. The train that derailed in East Palestine was carrying three crew members, including one trainee. The federal government has also sued the railroad over environmental damage caused by the February 3 derailment.

via Daily Mail|
#derailment#hazardous-chemicals#norfolk-southern
transportation2 years ago

Rail Safety Measures Signed into Law by Ohio Governor.

Congress is pushing for mandatory two-person crews on long-haul trains, but the legislation leaves out remote-controlled locomotives (RCLs) that carry hazardous chemicals in major metropolitan areas with no licensed engineers onboard. Union Pacific has used workers with only two weeks of remote operation training to operate these trains for 20 years. The cost-saving practice falls under a gray legal area, and the Federal Railroad Administration has no specific concerns with the use of remote-control operators.

via NBC News|
#congress#hazardous-chemicals#rail-regulation
transportation-safety2 years ago

Minnesota train derailment and ethanol fire highlights rail safety concerns.

A train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in Minnesota, raising questions about train safety and whether new regulations are needed to prevent more of these dangerous incidents from happening in the future. Human error, track defects, and equipment failures are the biggest causes of derailments, and staffing cuts railroads have made in recent years and their resistance to more costly equipment upgrades may be contributing factors. There have been fewer train derailments over time, but those that do occur tend to be worse because companies have increasingly made trains longer. Recent accidents have led to discussions at the federal level about reinstating safety rules.

via Vox.com|
#equipment-failure#hazardous-chemicals#safety-regulations
environment2 years ago

Ohio Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Norfolk Southern Over Train Derailment

The Ohio attorney general has filed a 58-count federal lawsuit against Norfolk Southern, accusing the company of negligence and recklessness after a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed last month. The suit seeks to force the company to pay civil penalties, costs, and damages to reimburse the state for economic losses and harm to natural resources. Norfolk Southern has been scrutinized for its role in the decision to release and burn thousands of gallons of vinyl chloride from the train to prevent a catastrophic explosion. The suit cites the company's "extensive and tragic history of derailments and releases of hazardous materials."

via The New York Times|
#environment#hazardous-chemicals#lawsuit