Vinyl Chloride: Overview

On February 2, 2023, a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio carrying vinyl chloride. This slightly sweet flammable gas is used in many industrial processes, including in the creation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping and wiring. Vinyl chloride can cause liver cancer if inhaled over a long-term period. Exposure of vinyl chloride to children is especially dangerous. Over a short-term period, vinyl chloride can cause lung, central nervous system and skin issues in humans. Vinyl chloride disease affecting the skin also exists. While vinyl chloride has a half-life of a few hours in the air and so can dissipate quickly, it is not the same for its presence in water. Vinyl chloride is slightly soluble in water and so poses a risk once it enters the watershed and thus laundry, bathing and cooking water. Residents exposed to vinyl chloride should get their urine tested immediately and avoid the area's air and water for years, if possible.Show more

Sources:

U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s (EPA’s) Integrated Risk Information System and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry's (ATSDR's) Toxicological Profile for Vinyl Chloride. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/documents/vinyl_chloride_march_26_2020.pdf

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