Is New York Being Blanketed With Toxic Soot From Ohio?

Have you noticed a soot-like substance on your vehicle this week? Is it a little different than the usual salt and grime of a New York winter? I noticed a unique pattern on our SUV Thursday but didn't give it much more thought until someone mentioned that it was due to the train derailment in Ohio. Could that be true?

On Friday February 3rd a train derailed in eastern Ohio and, according to the New York Times, that train was carrying industrial materials used in plastics, paint thinners and other products. Would that crash have sent toxic fumes into the air?

Get our free mobile app

With todays rain, reports of an unusual residue have been reported in New York State, Connecticut and Massachusetts and residents are concerned. Videos from bodies of water near the train derailment show, what looks like, an oily substance and speculation is that these bodies have been tainted. What about particles in the air?

Here in New York State I took a closer look at our vehicle and this is what I saw. What do you think this is?

Officials in New York with the DEC and in Connecticut at DEEP do not consider this soot-like substance related to the train derailment in Ohio.

DEC takes impacts on state air quality very seriously, including those that occur outside of New York State with the potential for impacts within state borders. DEC is coordinating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to monitor any potential impacts to New York State from the derailment and fire in Ohio, which was approximately 90 miles south-southwest of New York’s border with Pennsylvania. No human health impacts have been reported at this time. - NYS DOH

Keep an eye out, see something, say something. Call 518-402-7800 with any concerns.