There is indeed a good probability that the waterways will be contaminated. I'm more concerned with the Butyl acrylate, Ethylhexyl acrylate, and Ethylene glycol monobutyl that spilled getting into the waterways. The long term effect of these chemicals getting into the water table is very troublesome. These 3 chemicals are liquids, which if not dealt with immediately and thoroughly, would get into the ground water and affect the water shed.
Consider the 6 train cars of vinyl chloride though. Vinyl chloride is a monomer and becomes a gas at only 8 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, these cars were ignited which causes this chemical to disassociate into H2, Cl, and CO in the air. Hence, the black column of smoke rising into the sky. The H2 and Cl can easily form airborne hydrochloric acid and Phosphene (COCl2) is another gas that's created from burning chemicals like this. Depending on many factors, the HCL will precipitate in rain droplets making acid rain.
To me, the immediate danger lies in the fallout from this toxic cloud that people downwind will be exposed to. The contamination of the water shed will be a factor for years to come.
There is indeed a good probability that the waterways will be contaminated. I'm more concerned with the Butyl acrylate, Ethylhexyl acrylate, and Ethylene glycol monobutyl that spilled getting into the waterways. The long term effect of these chemicals getting into the water table is very troublesome. These 3 chemicals are liquids, which if not dealt with immediately and thoroughly, would get into the ground water and affect the water shed.
Consider the 6 train cars of vinyl chloride though. Vinyl chloride is a monomer and becomes a gas at only 8 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, these cars were ignited which caused this chemical to disassociate into H2, Cl, and CO in the air. Hence, the black column of smoke rising into the sky. The H2 and Cl can easily form airborne hydrochloric acid and Phosphene (COCl2) is another gas that's created from burning chemicals like this. Depending on many factors, the HCL will precipitate in rain droplets making acid rain.
To me, the immediate danger lies in the fallout from this toxic cloud that people downwind will be exposed to. The contamination of the water shed will be a factor for years to come.
There is indeed a good probability that the waterways will be contaminated. I'm more concerned with the Butyl acrylate, Ethylhexyl acrylate, and Ethylene glycol monobutyl that spilled getting into the waterways. The long term effect of these chemicals getting into the water table is very troublesome. These 3 chemicals are liquids, which if not dealt with immediately and thoroughly, would get into the ground water and affect the water shed.
Consider the 6 train cars of vinyl chloride though. It becomes a gas at 8 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, these cars were ignited which caused this chemical to disassociate into H2, Cl, and CO in the air. Hence, the black column of smoke rising into the sky. The H2 and Cl can easily form airborne hydrochloric acid and Phosphene (COCl2) is another gas that's created from burning chemicals like this. Depending on many factors, the HCL will precipitate in rain droplets making acid rain.
To me, the immediate danger lies in the fallout from this toxic cloud that people downwind will be exposed to. The contamination of the water shed will be a factor for years to come.