New research analyzing federal precipitation and pollution data has revealed that the chemicals released during the East Palestine train wreck fires in February 2023 in Ohio were carried across 16 US states. The study examined rain and snow samples collected from northern Wisconsin to Maine to North Carolina in the weeks following the crash, with startling findings.

The analysis found the highest levels of pH and certain compounds recorded over the past ten years. Among the compounds detected was chloride, which researchers believe was mainly released during a controversial controlled burn of highly toxic vinyl chloride carried by the train. The high levels of contamination found in samples across the vast range it was spread came as a surprising revelation to the researchers involved.

Lead author David Gay, a researcher from the University of Wisconsin, stated that they had expected to find some evidence of the burn around 50 miles from the crash site. However, the findings of high contamination levels at distant locations were beyond their expectations. The extent of the spread was described as "very surprising."

The train derailment in East Palestine resulted in dozens of cars burning near tankers carrying vinyl chloride. Two days later, a controlled burn of the vinyl chloride was conducted as a precautionary measure, fearing a potential major explosion. This controlled burn, which was extremely hot and concentrated, sent a towering plume into the earth's free troposphere, where winds often blow at speeds ranging from 50 to 100 miles per hour.

The smoke and pollutants from these fires spread far and wide, causing a potent chemical odor to linger in the air for weeks in the immediate vicinity and pockets throughout the city. The prolonged duration of the fires and the intensity of the controlled burn contributed to the wide dispersion and contamination levels observed.

Researchers conducted their analysis by examining rain and snow water samples collected at 260 sites across the nation as part of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program. However, it is important to note that the analysis only included inorganic compounds, as the federal government does not routinely check precipitation samples for organic compounds such as dioxin or PFAS, which were also likely emitted and spread far from the fire's site.

The study found exceptionally high levels of both chloride and pH, indicating potential health and environmental risks, as high pH levels can cause skin burns and harm flora and fauna. However, researchers reassured that the threat was minimal due to the short-term spike in pH. The train's cargo, including medical cotton balls, frozen vegetables, and seminola, may have contributed to the high pH levels due to the release of large volumes of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Additionally, firefighting foam used at the scene may have introduced high calcium levels that further pushed up pH.

Northern Pennsylvania, just east of the wreck site, exhibited the highest levels of chloride and pH. While data for Canada was not available to the researchers, it is believed that the pollution would have also impacted the country's precipitation. Even regions where no precipitation or measured rain was recorded, such as Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia, likely experienced pollution in the air.

The study also highlighted the impact of a low-pressure system that moved over the region during the burn, pushing the pollution across Michigan and into Wisconsin. All the Great Lakes, except Lake Superior, were likely affected. The elevated levels of contamination persisted for the first two weeks following the fire before significantly dropping in the third week, further supporting the connection to the train wreck.

While the impact of organic compounds remains unclear, the findings of the inorganic analysis suggest that the ecosystem should recover from the effects of this event. Researchers emphasized that although there was a temporary shock to the system, they believe that it should ultimately withstand the situation.

This research serves as a vital reminder of the potential environmental consequences of train accidents and the importance of proactive measures to prevent further contamination and protect public health.