Headaches, Nausea from Chemicals: US Congress Demands Details on Train Derailment in Ohio

The Chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, James Comer, wrote in a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg: "The committee is deeply concerned about the slow pace of the response from the Transportation Department to this issue." He has called for documentation regarding the incident, stating that "the destruction of infrastructure (...) has led to an ecological disaster." The congressman is urging the government to report on policy concerning trains transporting hazardous materials.

According to reports, in early February, a train accident occurred in Ohio, where 50 out of 141 freight cars derailed, 20 of which contained hazardous substances. Among these was vinyl chloride, which is used in various plastic products. Authorities took measures to evacuate residents from dangerous areas, including forcibly relocating those who refused to comply with the evacuation order.

Residents were later allowed to return to their homes; however, some soon began experiencing headaches, nausea, and other adverse effects from a strong chemical odor in the air. According to doctors, high concentrations of vinyl chloride can affect the human central nervous system.