Tell the EPA: Ban vinyl chloride

In February 2023, a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing an explosion of vinyl chloride and sending a billowing cloud of toxic smoke into the sky.

This chemical has been a known carcinogen since 1974, and was banned from being used in several products, including hair sprays, refrigerants, cosmetics and drugs. But vinyl chloride is still being used in PVC pipe, furniture and even children’s toys, and 3 million people are exposed to trains carrying vinyl chloride across the country.

We cannot wait for another environmental and public health emergency to take action — I urge you to ban vinyl chloride now.