published 2/14/23. updated 2/22/23

a norfolk southern train heading towards conway, pensylvania derailed on 2/3/23. 50 cars derailed and 20 had dangerous materials while 4 had vinyl chloride.

they wanted to get rid of the vinyl chloride which is the same stuff thats in PVC pipes. it is a known carcinogen that causes various cancers. if youre a chemistry nerd youll know that when you burn the stuff it turns into phosgene gas and hydrocloride. hydrgen cloride mixes with water in the atmosphere and turns into hydrocloric acid that could rain down on people. phosgene is a poisonous gas that can cause severe respiratory effects. people have reported animals dying and dont believe its safe to go back. the government says there have been no reports of animals dying. now me personally i wouldnt be going back that quickly.

sources:

washington post cnn newyorkpost salemnews

apparently theres a whole subreddit about it:

r/EastPalestineTrain

HYSPLIT Air Dispersion model. Simulating the potential transport of the chemical plumes of toxic products from february 3rd to 6th.

model from NOAA
where i found this example
this model was used by a local Weather Service to discern how far you had to stay away from the area. the evacuation order was in effect within a mile of the train