News

Vinyl Chloride in Your Water & the Ohio Train Derailment

Chemicals are transported all across the United States every day, but what happens to cities when a dangerous accident or event occurs? Recently, East Palestine, OH, and the surrounding areas were deeply affected by a train derailment that resulted in mass amounts of chemicals dissipating into the air and leaking into the water supply.

Because of this tragic incident, the professionals at Ohio Valley Pure Water have been working diligently with southwest Ohio natives to install complete water filtration systems and under-the-sink models to protect them from these chemicals. Take a closer look at how this devastating event will play a role in the health of thousands as vinyl chloride continuously circulates through various water supplies.

The Ohio Train Derailment

On February 3, 2023, a train of 150 cars carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, as it was on its way to Conway, PA. The train overheated on a wheel bearing, causing a large spill of vinyl chloride and other toxic chemicals. In turn, officials ordered a controlled burn of the substances. The chemicals were released as gases into the air, as well as leaked into the Ohio River. Though there was an evacuation of the area, there are rising health concerns for residents and neighboring cities due to the significant amount of vinyl chloride aboard the train.

What is Vinyl Chloride?

Vinyl chloride is an industrially produced colorless gas used in creating commercial materials. This chemical can be found in PVC, a hard plastic used for pipes, as well as in some wires, coatings, and packaging materials. Additionally, vinyl chloride is also produced as a combustion product in tobacco smoke.

How Can Vinyl Chloride Affect Your Health?

The health risks of vinyl chloride were first discovered in the 1970s at a B.F. Goodrich factory in Louisville, Kentucky. Four workers were overly exposed to the chemical and developed angiosarcoma of the liver, a rare type of tumor. This case, as well as a few others, led to the recognition of vinyl chloride as a carcinogen.

The known carcinogenicity of vinyl chloride raises the question of the increased risk of cancer in people who may have been exposed to it in Ohio. Though short-term inhalation exposure can cause breathing problems, dizziness, and loss of consciousness, the larger concern is the amount of vinyl chloride released into the river—affecting the water supply used by thousands.

Vinyl chloride can accumulate in enclosed spaces, especially when the water is heated, such as for showers or during cooking. This means if vinyl chloride has gotten into your private well, it can quickly become contaminated. Overexposure to vinyl chloride in your water can cause liver, brain, and lung cancers, as well as lymphoma and leukemia.

Prevent Against This Chemical in Your Water Supply

For those affected by the Ohio train derailment and concerned for their water supply, Ohio Valley Pure Water is here to shed some light on the situation. Whether you are connected to a public water system or have a private well, your water should still be tested regularly for toxins and other contaminants.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, installing whole-house carbon filtration can remove some of the vinyl chlorides from water. Unfortunately, whole-house reverse osmosis systems or point-of-entry systems are very expensive, leaving most everyone to go with an under-sink reverse osmosis system or point of use. An under-sink reverse osmosis system gives you the ultimate protection by eliminating 95 to 99% of everything in water, not just vinyl chloride.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

At Ohio Valley Pure Water, we offer 6-stage alkaline reverse osmosis under-sink/point-of-use drinking water systems to remove contaminants and keep your water healthy. A reverse osmosis system involves a sediment filter, pre-carbon block, membrane, and post-carbon filter. The sediment filter removes the largest particles, like sand, dirt, and rust, while the pre-carbon block prevents chemical compounds from passing through to the third filter. The membrane then removes molecules that are heavier than water, and the post-carbon filter polishes the water—making it better for showering, bathing, cleaning, and doing laundry.

Ohio Valley Pure Water & Your Safety

If you or someone you know has been affected by the tragedy in Ohio and wishes to prevent long-term exposure to vinyl chloride, the professionals at Ohio Valley Pure Water are here to help. Our reverse osmosis under-sink/point-of-use systems come with a standard 3.2-gallon storage tank to provide you with an abundance of clean and safe water, as well as a three-year warranty on the entire unit.

Our family-owned business has over 85 years of combined experience and understands the importance of safe drinking water, which is why we offer high-quality products and water quality assessments. Simply by asking a few questions, we will determine if under-sink reverse osmosis is right for your family. Contact us today at (513) 547-4038 to schedule an installation and protect your family from harsh contaminants and chemicals.

Ohio Valley’s Highest-Rated Provider of Water Treatment Systems

Since 1988, Ohio Valley Pure Water has been helping Cincinnati residents with their water treatment needs. As a family-owned and operated water filtration company, we know how important it is to protect your loved ones against contaminated water. With our personalized approach, prompt service, and close attention to detail, we can help you eliminate vinyl chloride from your water supply. Contact Ohio Valley Pure Water at (513) 547-4038 to learn more about our filtration systems and water quality assessments.