Railroad Safety Questions Raised After Toxic Ohio Train Derailment, Decisions to Vent and Burn Chemicals

Emergency responders struggled to identify hazardous chemicals and communicate after a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio.
Experts are questioning the decision to release and burn toxic vinyl chloride to prevent an explosion that may not have been imminent.
Union officials warned that budget cuts have compromised rail safety, with inspections taking only a minute.
The railcar that caused the derailment triggering the emergency had not recently been inspected, according to investigators.
Residents reported health issues and long-term risks from the airborne vinyl chloride, though officials said air and water tests are safe.