NYT TECHNOLOGY: ‘Chernobyl 2.0’? Ohio Train Derailment Spurs Wild Speculation.
By Stuart A. Thompson
Section: Technology
Source: New York Times
Published Date: February 16, 2023 at 02:00AM
But for many commentators from across the political spectrum, the speculation has gone far beyond known facts. Right-wing commentators have been particularly critical, using the crisis to sow distrust about government agencies and suggest that the damage could be irreparable.
On social media like Twitter and Telegram, commentators have called the situation the “largest environmental disaster in history” or simply “Chernobyl 2.0,” invoking the 1986 nuclear disaster. They warned, without evidence, that vital water reservoirs serving states downriver could be badly contaminated. And they suggested that the authorities, railroad companies and mainstream news media were purposefully obscuring the full toll of the crisis.
“Planned attack, cover-up or both?” asked “Conservative Daily Podcast,” a program known for pushing far-right talking points.
Some of that speculation was echoed by mainstream outlets like Fox News, which suggested the fallout could be catastrophic.
By Stuart A. Thompson
Section: Technology
Source: New York Times
Published Date: February 16, 2023 at 02:00AM
For many influencers across the political spectrum, claims about the environmental effects of the train derailment have gone far beyond known facts.
Since a train carrying hazardous materials derailed in Ohio nearly two weeks ago, residents have feared for their safety. A controlled burn of the toxic materials has filled the air and covered surface waters and soil with chemicals. Dead fish have floated in nearby creeks, and an unnerving aroma has lingered in the air.But for many commentators from across the political spectrum, the speculation has gone far beyond known facts. Right-wing commentators have been particularly critical, using the crisis to sow distrust about government agencies and suggest that the damage could be irreparable.
On social media like Twitter and Telegram, commentators have called the situation the “largest environmental disaster in history” or simply “Chernobyl 2.0,” invoking the 1986 nuclear disaster. They warned, without evidence, that vital water reservoirs serving states downriver could be badly contaminated. And they suggested that the authorities, railroad companies and mainstream news media were purposefully obscuring the full toll of the crisis.
“Planned attack, cover-up or both?” asked “Conservative Daily Podcast,” a program known for pushing far-right talking points.
Some of that speculation was echoed by mainstream outlets like Fox News, which suggested the fallout could be catastrophic.
Video: Ohio Train Crash - What They're NOT Telling You
“You better punch in at 9 a.m., Ohio, even if it means inhaling mustard gas on the way in,” said a sarcastic Jesse Watters, the Fox News host, on Tuesday, over a title reading: “Ohio town looks like Chernobyl.”
The Environmental Protection Agency and state officials have acknowledged that the situation in East Palestine, Ohio, is disastrous in many ways. After the train derailed on Feb. 3, a fire broke out and about 50 of the 150 cars were derailed or damaged. Fearing an explosion, officials ordered nearby residents to evacuate before conducting a controlled burn, which released a toxic plume of smoke for several hours that was visible for miles.
Since then, the E.P.A. has said air quality has returned to safe levels. Residents have been allowed to return. A chemical odor lingers because people can smell the contaminants even when they are far below hazardous concentrations, according to the agency. Water testing found “no indication of risk” to public water systems so far, the E.P.A. said, though private wells should be tested. Utilities drawing from the Ohio River were taking precautions, and at least one company said it had not detected any changes in the water.
At a town-hall meeting on Wednesday, frustrated residents pressed officials for assurances that the air and water were safe. Experts urged caution as they assessed the long-term consequences, warning that airborne contaminants can settle on surfaces, seep into wells and migrate through cracks into basements and homes.
Read More at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/ohio-train-derailment-chernobyl.html
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