Vinyl Chloride – A Liver’s Worst Enemy As residents of East Palestine, Ohio, are still reeling from the consequences of the train derailment that happened there on February 2023, the cause of the disaster has been revealed. An analysis of the contents of the train cars showed that they were carrying a highly toxic chemical, Vinyl Chloride. Vinyl Chloride, or VC, is a solvent used in industries such as the plastics and petrochemical production industries. It is colorless, and has a slightly sweet, ether-like odor. Despite its pleasant smell, however, exposure to this chemical can be detrimental to human health. The most significant consequence of VC exposure is damage to the liver, in particular to the liver cells, or hepatocytes. Through the inhalation of VC, it enters the bloodstream and builds up in the fat tissues. From there, it moves to the liver, where it can cause serious damage. Studies conducted on animals have revealed that exposure to high levels of VC results in damage to the liver, including inflammation, fibrous tissue, and, in severe cases, cancer. In humans, exposure to VC can cause acute liver damage. In addition to the inflammation and fibrous tissue, acute liver damage can also include jaundice, difficulty breathing, and abdominal discomfort. Long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of both primary and secondary liver cancer. The best way to prevent exposure to VC is to avoid contact with the chemical. Because of the safety risks posed by VC, it is important that those who work in the petrochemical and plastics industries practice rigorous safety protocols and use proper protective equipment. In addition to avoiding contact with VC, it is important to seek medical attention if any symptoms of VC exposure are detected. These include abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, nausea and vomiting. If these symptoms are present, it is important to seek immediate medical attention in order to mitigate any long-term health risks. The train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, serves as an important reminder of the dangers of VC. It is a highly toxic chemical that can wreak havoc on the human liver, resulting in acute liver damage and an increased risk of liver cancer. Despite its pleasant smell, it should be handled with extreme caution and its exposure should be carefully monitored. It is essential that safety protocols are in place to protect workers at risk of exposure, and that those exposed to VC seek prompt medical attention. Vinyl Chloride is a highly hazardous chemical that has been linked to acute liver damage and long-term liver cancer. Despite its pleasant smell, contact with it should be avoided as much as possible, and proper protective equipment should always be worn when handling it. For those exposed to VC, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to reduce the risk of more serious health consequences. With greater public awareness of the risks posed by this chemical and proper safety protocols in place, the East Palestine tragedy could potentially be avoided in the future.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/how-vinyl-chloride-the-chemical-released-in-the-ohio-train-derailment-can-damage-the-liver
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