Residents near a railcar chemical leak in a western Cincinnati suburb remain under evacuation Wednesday, but officials said the car has stopped venting and there are no issues with air quality.
Residents in hundreds of neighboring homes were told to evacuate Tuesday night and area schools were closed Wednesday after officials discovered styrene, a toxic and flammable chemical used to make plastic and rubber, was leaking from the car’s pressure release valve Tuesday night. The chemical can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory issues, and long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems including organ damage.
Officials confirmed that the railcar is no longer venting and temperatures inside the car are within a safe range. The volatile liquid inside the railcar appears to be solidifying, and 14 other railcars carrying styrene were tested for issues before being moved for monitoring.
The incident was likely caused by an ineffective additive stabilizer inside the railcar, leading to the product venting. Styrene evaporates quickly upon entering the air, reducing the likelihood of irritation or toxicity, especially for those outside a half-mile radius of the incident.
Emergency responders have not received any reports of injuries related to the incident. Firefighters are taking a methodical approach to the situation, with ongoing efforts to ensure safety.
Residents within a half-mile radius of the area near US Route 50 and the Great Miami River were advised to evacuate, while those just outside the evacuation area were instructed to stay indoors and keep windows closed. Approximately 200 homes are within the evacuation zone.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that personnel from the Federal Railroad Administration are en route to provide assistance as needed. Last year's train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, led to new safety regulations and increased scrutiny of the rail industry and federal regulators.
