(The Southern Illinoisan posted the following story by Jim Muir on its website on February 9.)
TAMAROA, Ill. — Rescue workers and experts in the field of environmental cleanup will begin assessing Monday the damage created by Sunday’s train derailment near Tamaroa where thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals spilled.
One thing certain about the four chemicals involved — hydrochloric acid, methanol, formaldehyde and vinyl chloride — all are highly toxic if inhaled in substantial quantities.
The following information was provided by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Hydrochloric acid is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor that is usually shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. It is used in the manufacture of phosphoric acid, chlorine dioxide, ammonium chloride, fertilizers, dyes and artificial silks, and pigments for paint. Exposure to hydrochloric acid can cause circulatory collapse which may lead to death. It can also cause death by asphyxiation. Hydrochloric acid can cause conjunctivitis and corneal burns, inflammation and ulceration of the respiratory tract if inhaled. Hydrochloric acid can also cause permanent visual damage.
Vinyl chloride is a colorless, flammable gas with a mild, sweet odor. It is a manufactured substance that is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is used to make a variety of plastic products including pipes, wire and cable coatings and automobile upholstery. Liquid vinyl chloride evaporates easily. Breathing high levels of vinyl chloride can cause individuals to feel dizzy or sleepy. Breathing very high levels can cause individuals to pass out and breathing extremely high levels can result in death.
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas widely used to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. It is most significantly used in homes as an adhesive resin in pressed wood products. Some common household products include particle board, fiberboard, plywood and foam insulation. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause flu-like symptoms. High concentrations of formaldehyde have been known to cause cancer in laboratory animals and may cause cancer in human beings.
Methanol is produced from the distillation of wood and is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid with a weak odor that is somewhat sweeter than ethanol. Methanol is used in the industrial production of many synthetic compounds and solvents. Products in the home that contain methanol include windshield wiper fluids and de-icers, anti-freeze, glass cleaner, canned heat, paints, varnishes, paint thinners and removers. If absorbed through the skin and lungs, methanol can cause symptoms that resemble intoxication. Other symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. In some severe cases individuals have died, first lapsing into a coma, having seizures or experiencing blindness.