Residents from East Palestine, Ohio, described the physical, social and economic impacts of the Feb. 3 toxic chemical spill from a Norfolk Southern cargo train in an extensive report by the BBC.
“It’s totally wrecked our life,” East Palestine resident John Hammer told the BBC. “I’m at the point now where I want out of here. We’re going to relocate. We can’t do it no more.” Hammer made the statements from the parking lot of his garbage truck business, just meters from where the train crashed, spilling vinyl chloride, hydrogen chloride, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethlyhexyl acrylate and isobutylene.
Hammer started his company almost 20 years ago, growing it from five customers to more than 7,000. Several dozen customers have cancelled their long-standing collection services, citing plans to leave the area.
Is this an American Chernobyl? https://t.co/1ENR8tf4Ko
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 13, 2023
Since the toxic spill, his eyes are red and swollen, which he credits to the physical irritation caused by the chemicals. “I’m losing so much sleep. I’ve already been to the doctor twice, and I’m taking anxiety pills,” he continued. “This is 10 times worst than just losing my livelihood. We built this business.”
His wife, Lisa, echoed Hammer’s experience of sleepless nights, saying she worries for their 10 employees and the town where she’s spent the last two decades of her life. “I’m afraid for the people that live here,” she noted. “I don’t know anybody who can sleep, because it’s on so many fronts. It’s your business, it’s your health, and it’s the health of your friends.”
Another local business owner, Ben Ratner described how his friends in the town appear easily panicked since the derailment, like they’re constantly on alert. He compared the experience to post-traumatic stress disorder. “We need to start looking at the emotional and psychological long-term impact,” he told the BBC. “People are concerned when they hear trains, or when they think of their kids going outside, or letting their dog outside and having it accidentally drink contaminated water… it’s serious.”
Ratner added that local children, still reeling from dealing with years of COVID-19 lockdowns and fear, now have to contend with yet another traumatic event. “This thing could go on for generations,” he said. (RELATED: Residents File Suit Against Freight Company In Wake Of Ohio Train Derailment)
Representatives from Norfolk Southern failed to show up at a public meeting to discuss the crash, citing personal safety concerns. The company did not respond to emails from the Daily Caller questioning why they didn’t just do a remote video call instead.