East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment & Chemical Spill Lawsuit
- Last Updated: July 14th, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
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A Timeline of the Norfolk Southern Railroad Chemical Spill
A Norfolk Southern Railroad freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, 2023.
Federal investigators attribute the cause of the derailment to a mechanical issue with a rail car axle.
The train was made up of about 150 cars, 20 of which contained hazardous materials.
Ten of these cars containing hazardous materials were affected by the derailment.
The aftermath of the derailment caused much concern in the local community.
Smoke from the wreckage could be seen in the area, and residents were advised to evacuate their homes.
Contaminated runoff from the derailment had also impacted nearby Sulphur Run and Leslie Run streams.
Table of Contents
Health Risks of the East Palestine, OH Chemical Spill
The East Palestine, OH chemical spill has left residents in the area fearing for their safety.
The release of hazardous chemicals during the train derailment has raised serious health concerns about the short and long-term effects of exposure.
The chemicals released include vinyl chloride, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, isobutylene, and butyl acrylate, all of which can cause severe health problems when inhaled or ingested.
Vinyl Chloride: A Dangerous Carcinogen
Vinyl chloride is a highly toxic gas that can cause significant health risks when inhaled.
It is known to cause dizziness, headaches, and liver damage, with long-term exposure leading to an increased risk of liver cancer.
The gas is a byproduct of the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and is used in the manufacturing of pipes, wire, and cable coatings, and car parts.
Exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride can cause severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and disorientation.
Even low-level exposure to this gas can cause cancer, leading to a high risk of lung, liver, and other cancers.
Exposure to Vinyl Chloride, Phosgene, and Dioxins can have serious long-term effects on the health of those who were exposed to them in the East Palestine OH chemical spill.
Vinyl Chloride is associated with increased risk of liver cancer and other cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Additionally, exposure to Phosgene can cause vomiting and breathing trouble, and may lead to more serious health problems with longer exposure.
Dioxins are persistent environmental pollutants that can last in the body for years and have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, and immune system damage.
It is crucial that anyone who was exposed to these chemicals seeks medical attention immediately and continues to monitor their health for potential long-term effects.
Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether: A Respiratory Hazard
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is a clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used in cleaning products, paints, and coatings.
Exposure to this chemical can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Ingesting this liquid can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health issues, such as liver and kidney damage.
Ethylhexyl Acrylate: A Toxic Chemical
Ethylhexyl acrylate is a toxic chemical used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and plastics.
Exposure to this chemical can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems. Prolonged exposure to this chemical can lead to more serious health risks such as cancer.
Isobutylene: A Drowsy Gas
Isobutylene is a gas that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches.
This gas is used in the production of rubber, fuel additives, and pharmaceuticals.
Inhaling high levels of isobutylene can cause respiratory distress and nausea.
Butyl Acrylate: A Skin Irritant
Butyl acrylate is a clear, colorless liquid that is used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and plastics.
This chemical is a skin irritant that can cause rashes and itching.
Inhaling this chemical can cause respiratory problems and lung damage.
What to Do if You Have Been Exposed to Chemicals in the Ohio Train Derailment
It is essential to understand the dangers of exposure to these chemicals.
The short-term effects of exposure can range from mild irritation to more severe symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems.
Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health conditions, such as cancer, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory distress.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has has urged residents to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms.
The East Palestine, OH chemical spill is a dangerous and potentially deadly event.
The release of hazardous chemicals has put residents in the area at risk of serious health problems.
Anyone who may have been exposed to these chemicals should take immediate precautions to protect themselves from further exposure.
Contact a Lawyer if You Have Been Affected by the Ohio Train Derailment and Chemical Spill
Exposure to these hazardous chemicals can cause serious health problems, and anyone who may have been exposed should take immediate precautions to protect themselves.
Seeking legal help is one of the most important steps in these situations to ensure that your rights are protected.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to the chemicals released during the East Palestine, OH chemical spill, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A lawyer who specializes in environmental and toxic tort cases can help you determine your legal options and guide you through the legal process.
If you have been affected by the Ohio train derailment and chemical spill, it is crucial to seek legal help.
Contact us today for an Instant Case Evaluation.
We can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.
By taking the necessary legal steps, you can ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
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Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
