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Residents of East Palestine, Ohio were recently shocked to learn that a train derailment had caused vinyl chloride to spill into their water supply. The chemical, which is used in industry and can cause serious health problems if ingested, has been detected at levels above the safe limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency.  Residents are now concerned about the long-term effects this incident may have on their health and safety.

The East Palestine train spill has resulted in potentially serious health hazards due to vinyl chloride contamination. Vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen and has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. In addition, exposure can cause numerous other side effects such as:

1. Headaches and dizziness due to decreased oxygen levels in the brain
2. Irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat
3. Breathing difficulty
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Liver damage
6. Weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps and numbness in extremities
7. Nervous system disorders such as convulsions, memory loss or confusion
8. Disruption of endocrine function leading to hormonal imbalances
9. Damage to reproductive organs resulting in infertility or birth defects
10. Increased risk of developing certain types of immune system cancers such as non-Hodgkins lymphoma or multiple myeloma

Our patented hollow carbon filtration systems offer highly efficient and effective vinyl chloride removal.

Overall, you NEED a line of defense against harmful chemicals like vinyl chloride as well as other carcinogens  in drinking water supplies. 

Also known as vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) or chloroethane, vinyl chloride is a colorless organochloride with a chemical formula of C₂H₃CI. The colorless gas with a pleasant odor is one of the most important petrochemicals produced world-wide. Vinyl chloride is a slightly soluble, flammable gas which can form explosive mixtures.

Is Vinyl Chloride Soluble in Water?

The slightly sweet-smelling gas has a relatively low water solubility which makes it soluble in almost all organic solvents. Since it’s highly considered as toxic and carcinogenic, vinyl chloride in groundwater can cause various health problems.

How Do You Remove Vinyl Chloride from Your Drinking Water?

According to the EPA, the recommended method of removing vinyl chloride from the water source is with packed tower aeration. Other ways to remove the chemical contaminant from the water is through the use of Reverse Osmosis, granular activated carbon (GAC), and other distillation methods. With most water filter systems packed with granular activated carbon, you can remove vinyl chloride to below the EPA’s regulated water standards.

What Does Vinyl Chloride Do to Your Body

Individuals who were exposed to vinyl chloride-contaminated drinking water may experience central nervous system effects and liver damages. Long-term consumption of the contaminant at levels above the MCL may result to damages to the liver. Acute or short-term exposure targets the central nervous system.