After weeks of uncertainty, the EPA has finally ordered Norfolk Southern to test the East Palestine area for dioxins, the dangerous and long-lasting pollutant created when plastic is burned. Can they be trusted to tell the truth about their findings? Via the Washington Post:
A chorus of academics, environmentalists and residents have been raising the alarm about potential dioxin contamination because, days after the derailment, authorities seeking to avoid an explosion purposefully released and burned the chemical vinyl chloride, a key component of PVC plastic.
While EPA officials said monitoring for related chemicals around East Palestine suggests a “low probability” of dioxin contamination, Administrator Michael Regan said the agency is directing the railroad to conduct testing for the pollutants based on concerns from the community.
EPA will oversee the testing and “direct the company to conduct immediate clean up if contaminants from the derailment are found at levels that jeopardize people’s health,” Regan said in a statement.
