Train Crashes with Biohazard Waste: Link to Chernobyl Disaster?

In 2022, there were 18 derailments involving trains that were known to be carrying hazardous materials. Considering how many trains ran last year, this figure may seem like a lot or a little. Depending how you look at it.

However, the topic has been thrust into the national spotlight after such a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing widespread panic and danger to nearby residents.

A study of federal data by USA Today found, “catastrophic events involving trains and chemicals may be uncommon, hazmat cargo violations caught during inspections of rail shippers and operators appear to be climbing. Over the last five years, federal inspectors have flagged 36% more hazmat violations compared with the five years prior – and fines for those are up 16%.”

Many likened the disaster in Ohio to what happened in Chernobyl. Although there are several notable similarities, there are a few differences that bear consideration.

Train crashes and biohazard waste accidents are serious incidents that can cause significant harm to human health and long-lasting impacts on the environment. The Chernobyl disaster, on the other hand, was a nuclear accident that occurred in 1986 and had much different consequences.

Comparing apples and oranges:

Apples may not be oranges, but they are both fruit. So let’s look at the similarities.

When a train carrying hazardous materials crashes, the cargo can spill, resulting in toxic fumes or liquids. Similarly, biohazard waste accidents can release harmful pathogens into the environment. In both cases, people who are exposed to these substances can experience health problems, ranging from minor irritations to severe illnesses.

The Chernobyl disaster, too, resulted in exposure to harmful substances. The explosion at the nuclear power plant released radioactive particles into the air, which were carried by wind and spread over a wide area. People who were exposed to these particles experienced radiation sickness, cancer, and other health problems. The long-term effects of the disaster are still being felt today, with some areas around the plant remaining uninhabitable.

Another similarity between these events is the need for prompt and effective action to contain the damage. In the case of train crashes and biohazard waste accidents, emergency responders must quickly assess the situation and take steps to contain the spill. Both instances required evacuation and significantly disrupted day-to-day life in the region.

Failure to do so can result in further contamination and harm to people and the environment. Similarly, in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, it was critical to take steps to prevent the spread of radiation and limit human exposure. The construction of the sarcophagus around the damaged reactor and the evacuation of nearby residents were essential in containing the damage.

Differences in disasters

The cause of a biohazard spill resulting from a train derailment typically occurs due to a mechanical failure, such as a problem with the train tracks or a malfunctioning train car. In contrast, the Chernobyl disaster was caused by a combination of human error and design flaws in the reactor.

Although both events can be hazardous, biohazard spill from a train derailment typically involves the release of hazardous materials such as chemicals, biological agents or waste, whereas the Chernobyl disaster involved the release of radioactive particles into the environment.

Containment of the event can greatly vary too. In the case of a biohazard spill, the priority is to contain the spill as quickly as possible to prevent further contamination and reduce the risk of exposure to the public. In the case of the Chernobyl disaster, it was difficult to contain the release of radioactive material due to the nature of the accident.

The clean-up process following a biohazard spill involves decontaminating the affected area, disposing of any hazardous materials, and restoring the environment to its pre-incident state. In the case of the Chernobyl disaster, the clean-up process involved evacuating nearby residents, decontaminating the affected areas, and constructing a containment structure around the damaged reactor.

While both events can have serious consequences, the potential long-term impact of a nuclear accident like a Chernobyl-type disaster can potentially be much greater. The release of radioactive material can have serious health consequences for both humans and wildlife, and can also result in long-term environmental damage.

While each event is unique, there are lessons to be learned from these incidents to prevent similar disasters in the future. Both instances are examples of how a series of events, and decisions by authorities, can lead to catastrophe.

*Editor's note: Portions of this blog post used AI research.*