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
How aerospace is turning to trustworthy AI
January 6, 2026
UC College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate Lynn Pickering talks to the Ohio Federal Research Network about her research into artificial intelligence and the future of AI in aerospace engineering.
UC's art collection on display at the Contemporary Arts Center
January 5, 2026
University of Cincinnati leaders joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to talk about the university’s 200-year-old art collection, a new exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center and the release of a companion book exploring the collection’s role in education and public engagement.
UC faculty and staff among Rising Star leadership honorees
January 5, 2026
Two UC faculty and staff members are among this year's Rising Star leadership program sponsored by YWCA Greater Cincinnati. Kelli Beecher, assistant professor in the UC College of Nursing, and Brittany Bibb, assistant director of programs and operations in the UC Division of Student Affairs, are among the emerging leaders of 2026. They were featured in the publication Movers & Makers.