UC expert: More oil production means more leaks
Environmental studies professor talks about railcar leak that prompted evacuations
The Cincinnati Enquirer turned to an environmental studies professor to explain why Ohio has seen several high-profile rail disasters that have led to neighborhood evacuations.
Neighborhoods in southwest Ohio were evacuated as a precaution on Sept. 24 after a rail car was discovered spewing a toxic chemical called styrene commonly used in plastics.
In 2023, a train derailed outside East Palestine, Ohio, prompting evacuations after vinyl chloride spilled into the Ohio River.
UC Professor Amy Townsend-Small teaches environmental studies in UC's College of Arts and Sciences. Photo/Jay Yocis/UC
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Amy Townsend-Small told the Enquirer that both chemicals are byproducts of oil. She teaches in UC's School of Environment and Sustainability.
“These train cars that we see throughout Cincinnati, they’re all carrying petrochemicals,” she said.
Styrene is an organic molecule that's used in making Styrofoam and other plastics, she said.
It's considered a likely carcinogen, according to the National Research Council.
Townsend-Small said the likelihood of rail accidents increases with the increase in rail use. Ohio ranks fourth in the nation in miles of active freight rail, according to the Association of American Railroads.
And as the United States turns to greener transportation, gas and oil companies are dedicating more petrochemicals to plastics production, Townsend-Small said.
The Ohio River is home to dozens of oil, gas and petrochemical facilities.
Read the Cincinnati Enquirer story.
Featured image at top: UC Professor Amy Townsend-Small said the booming production of oil and natural gas has led to increased transportation of toxic chemicals across America's rail system. Photo/iStockPhoto
Related Stories
A day of hoops and fun supports families impacted by homelessness
April 6, 2026
CPS All-Star Showcase returned to UC’s Fifth Third Arena, Saturday, April 4, highligting the partnership between Cincinnati Public Schools and the University of Cincinnati. Local media covered the daylong sports event which showcased some Cincinnati's finest high school athletes. Proceeds from the event benefited Project Connect.
What is the 'cicada' COVID variant?
April 6, 2026
A formerly rare strain of COVID, BA.3.2, now is showing up in Ohio and 24 other states. Experts say so far it hasn't caused illness any more severe than other strains, but it might be somewhat more resistant to vaccines, as 91.7 WVXU News recently reported. Scientists have nicknamed the variant "cicada" due to its former low profile and current resurgence.
UC opens zebrafish research facility to study infertility
April 6, 2026
The University of Cincinnati is launching a state-of-the-art zebrafish research facility that scientists say could help explain how environmental toxins affect fertility, as WKRC-TV/Local 12 and WLWT-TV/Ch. 5 recently reported.