East Palestine Can't Breathe

The residents of East Palestine, a small town located in Ohio, have been facing a growing danger in recent weeks. The fumes from burned vinyl chloride, a highly toxic chemical, are turning into hydrochloric acid, phosgene gas, and dioxins, posing a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of the town's residents.

Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas that is used to manufacture polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a common plastic material. When it is burned, like Norfolk-Southern Execs decided to do in East Palestine, it releases toxic fumes, which can turn into hydrochloric acid, phosgene gas, and dioxins. These chemicals can cause severe health problems, ranging from short-term respiratory issues to long-term health effects, such as cancer.

The fumes from burned vinyl chloride can cause a range of health problems, including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Inhaling these fumes can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, it can lead to pulmonary edema or fluid buildup in the lungs. Exposure to these fumes can also cause skin irritation, and in some cases, it can lead to chemical burns.

The dangers of vinyl chloride do not end with the immediate effects of exposure. Long-term exposure to this chemical can increase the risk of cancer, particularly liver cancer and angiosarcoma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of blood vessels. Other health risks associated with long-term exposure to vinyl chloride include an increased risk of lung and brain cancer, as well as damage to the liver and nervous system.

Phosgene gas, another dangerous byproduct of burned vinyl chloride, can also pose significant health risks. Phosgene gas is a highly toxic gas that can cause severe respiratory distress and can lead to pulmonary edema, a life-threatening condition in which fluid builds up in the lungs. Exposure to phosgene gas can also cause eye and skin irritation, and in severe cases, it can lead to blindness and chemical burns.

Dioxins, which are also produced when vinyl chloride is burned, are a group of highly toxic chemicals that can cause a range of health problems, including cancer, immune system suppression, and reproductive and developmental problems. Dioxins are persistent organic pollutants that can remain in the environment for years, making them a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of the residents of East Palestine.

The residents of East Palestine are facing a significant danger from the fumes of burned vinyl chloride. The byproducts of this chemical, including hydrochloric acid, phosgene gas, and dioxins, pose severe health risks, including an increased risk of cancer. It is crucial that the local and federal authorities take immediate action to protect the residents of East Palestine from this danger. The health and wellbeing of the town's residents must be a top priority, and it is crucial that the appropriate measures are taken to mitigate the risks of toxic exposure in the community.