The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 2 ordered freight train operator Norfolk Southern to test for dioxins after the company burned toxic pollutants last month from cargo on its derailed train in East Palestine, Ohio.
The railroad company burned the hazardous materials on Feb. 6 after some of its rail cars were assessed as being on the verge of potentially exploding following the derailment.
Dioxins are a group of chemically-related compounds known as persistent environmental pollutants, according to the World Health Organization.
The highly toxic substance is found in any environment worldwide owing to common processes like burning wood or coal.
Dioxins accumulate in the food chain and can remain stored in the body’s fat tissue for a half-life of 7 to 11 years owing to their chemical stability. It can cause reproductive and developmental problems, immune system damage, hormone interference, and cancer….