Survey: Paulsboro derailment responders experienced headaches, other issues

Consistent with symptoms reported by Paulsboro residents in surveys, some emergency responders involved in the 2012 Paulsboro train derailment experienced headaches and upper respiratory issues during the response to the accident and chemical spill, according to a survey's findings published this week.

Just more than a quarter of the 93 responders to the Nov. 30, 2012, derailment who completed surveys said they experienced those symptoms, according to the Jan. 9 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a publication by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that provides short case studies for public health workers. Other symptoms cited by respondents included lower respiratory symptoms, coughing, nausea or vomiting, and eye irritation.

About 20,000 gallons of toxic vinyl chloride, a carcinogen, was released into the atmosphere after a tanker car ruptured. The car was one of four that fell into the Mantua Creek when an 82-car freight tried to pass over the East Jefferson Street Bridge because, officials later determined, locks holding the swing-style bridge were not properly secured. The chemical release forced hundreds from their homes and businesses.

The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report notes that exposure monitoring during the derailment was unavailable and that "the majority of respondents did not use respiratory protections." Of 72 respondents who said they responded without respiratory protection, nearly half said the equipment was "not required for their work," and almost a quarter said "none was available." Others reported that they were not advised to wear it, did not think they needed it, or were told it was not necessary.

The findings of the survey — developed and administered by the CDC, the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and New Jersey Department of Health — were also featured in a late 2013 CDC report.

One dispute that followed the derailment centered on whether the equipment available to responders was inadequate — or if members of the Gloucester County hazardous materials team lacked familiarity with it.

An inquiry panel for Gloucester County in late 2013 blamed a training regimen for the Hazmat squad that had eroded in recent years and cited members' "inadequate familiarity with the equipment." The county then established its Emergency Response Preparedness Advisory Council to oversee improvements. In 2014, the council noted in a year-end report, officials held a number of exercises, including a training session dealing with a derailed tanker car, and improved training standards and documentation.

The National Transportation Safety Board largely faulted Conrail for the accident last year — citing previous issues with the bridge in Paulsboro and a lack of training for train crews to inspect the types of locks on the bridge — and also criticized the response.

Many first responders have filed lawsuits against Conrail and its parent companies, Norfolk Southern Corp. and CSX Transportation. Some also name Gloucester County.