![]() ![]() As residential homes burned large amounts of coal to contend with harsh winter temperatures, and industries belched pollutants from their normal production, a high-pressure weather system over London trapped a layer of air at ground level-air thick with soot and other harmful emissions. Mirrorpix // Getty Images Great Smog of London (1952)Ī perfect storm of weather events led to smog so thick and toxic it killed at least 4,000 people-and some experts believe the death toll from respiratory illness was actually much higher. ![]() ![]() The mine’s ventilation system was closed off to contain the explosion, and as a result, the majority of fatalities were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Regarded as the worst mining disaster in human history, more than 1,500 people died when a mixture of methane gas and coal dust caused an explosion in an underground shaft. Though the Environmental Protection Agency and state officials have not found signs of contamination in East Palestine’s air and water, residents have reported rainbow slicks atop creek water and an increase in symptoms, including headaches, cough, skin irritation, and fatigue. The East Palestine train derailment bears many of the same hallmarks as other environmental disasters throughout history, particularly official reports not matching the lived experience of those residing in the aftermath of the disaster. These incidents have also led to the necessary evolution of safety standards in mining, nuclear power, rail transportation, and other industrial operations. Failing to fix faulty equipment and infrastructure, to staff appropriately, or to spend money on proper waste disposal are just some of the many avoidable mistakes that have led to the worst disasters in human history. Industrial disasters around the world-many involving large corporations-have caused innumerable health, environmental, and economic damages. While the long-term effects remain to be seen, for many Americans, the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio-which resulted in mass toxic chemical spillage and the release of toxic fumes-will likely also live in infamy. Chernobyl, Fukushima, Deepwater Horizon, Exxon Valdez-these names live in the collective global consciousness as warnings about what can happen when we are careless stewards of our environment and negligent neighbors to our fellow man. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |