Residents in Whitewater Township, Ohio, have been allowed to return to their homes following a chemical leak incident involving styrene, a toxic and flammable substance used in the production of plastic and rubber. The leak originated from a railcar in the community, prompting an evacuation order on Tuesday afternoon.
The evacuation order affected individuals within a half-mile radius of the area near U.S. Route 50 and the Great Miami River. As a precautionary measure, several schools in the vicinity were closed. Whitewater Township, with a population of approximately 6,000 people, comprises a mix of residential areas, businesses, and undeveloped land.
The Central Railroad of Indiana, responsible for the tracks, confirmed on Wednesday morning that the railcar had ceased venting after efforts to cool the tank with water overnight. Subsequently, the railcar was safely removed from the scene without any complications.
Following the successful containment of the leak, the evacuation order was lifted on Wednesday night, and the previously closed roads were reopened. All schools in the area resumed normal operations on Thursday.
Authorities emphasized the ongoing monitoring of air and water quality in the vicinity as a precautionary measure. Styrene exposure can lead to immediate symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues, while prolonged exposure may result in more severe health complications, including organ damage.
This incident in Whitewater Township comes after a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, last year, where hazardous chemicals leaked and burned for an extended period. The derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border in February 2023 prompted the implementation of new safety regulations and increased scrutiny of the rail industry.
