Derailed Train Cars In Montco Were Carrying Cancerous Chemical

WHITEMARSH TOWNSHIP, PA — One of the materials carried by the train cars that derailed in Whitemarsh Township Monday is a chemical that can cause cancer. It's among the new details that have emerged as the investigation into the major CSX train derailment on Norfolk Southern tracks continues.

There were a total of 40 cars on the train, which derailed near the intersection of Stenton Avenue and Joshua Road at about 4:50 a.m. on July 17.

Out of the 40 cars on the train, 15 derailed. Eight of the cars that derailed were empty, but five contained urea, a liquid fertilizer.

Previous coverage: Major Train Derailment In Whitemarsh

Another car contained tetrachloroethylene, which is a degreaser chemical used in dry cleaning.

Urea is not considered toxic except when exposed to severe heat, because it can release ammonia, according to health experts. Tetrachloroethylene exposure, conversely, can cause cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Cancer is mainly associated with long term exposure.

See also: Several New Laws Proposed In PA After Norfolk Southern Train Disaster

Officials remain adamant that no leakage occurred beyond harmless silicon pellets.

"We want to emphasize that the top priority is the safety and well-being of the community," Spring Hill Fire Co. said in a statement. "Emergency responders were on-site quickly to assess the situation and addressed any potential risks. Please know that all necessary precautions were and still are being taken to ensure your safety and the environment's protection."

Authorities have not said for certain what caused the crash. The Federai Railroad Administration is investigating the crash, and officials and cleanup crews remain on the scene.

But in their own statement, CSX said that "the cause of the incident appears to be weather related."

CSX's statement also acknowledged that "one car," presumably the tetrachloroethylene car, was carrying hazardous materials.

Local homes and businesses were evacuated as a precaution, but all were allowed to return by the early afternoon.

The crash sparked a response from Gov. Josh Shapiro and drew national attention, as it occurred in a densely populated area just short months after the East Palestine disaster that sent hazardous materials into communities throughout parts of western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio.

That incident brought renwed focus on Norfolk Southern track safety and industrial rail safety standards at large. Officials said that much stricter safety standards, on everything from increased crew size to decreased train length, are needed.

No one was injured in the Monday incident in Whitemarsh, officials said.