John,

Last year, the world was alarmed when a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling a massive shipment of vinyl chloride, a chemical we've known is carcinogenic since 1974.1

This dangerous chemical should have been banned decades ago, but 3 million people still live in close range of trains carrying it between Texas and New Jersey today.2

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now considering a ban on vinyl chloride -- send a message today to help get this dangerous chemical off the market.

What is vinyl chloride, and why is it still being carted across the country if it's so dangerous?

Vinyl chloride is a chemical found in plastic products, like PVC pipe, plastic packaging, and some furniture, car parts and toys for both children and pets.3

Manufacturers want to continue using it to feed our country's wasteful plastic problem, but public health and environmental advocates, including PIRG, have been calling for its ban for decades.

The noxious plume of black smoke that suffocated East Palestine in 2023 was yet another urgent reminder of why we must get this cancerous chemical off the market.

The Biden administration shouldn't wait to take action when another disaster could devastate a community -- we need a ban now.

Tell the EPA: Protect our communities from exposure to toxic chemicals and ban vinyl chloride.

Thank you,

Faye Park
President

1. Matthew Daly, "EPA begins formal review of vinyl chloride, toxic chemical that burned in Ohio train derailment," The Associated Press, December 14, 2023.
2. Matthew Daly, "EPA begins formal review of vinyl chloride, toxic chemical that burned in Ohio train derailment," The Associated Press, December 14, 2023.
3. Matthew Daly, "EPA begins formal review of vinyl chloride, toxic chemical that burned in Ohio train derailment," The Associated Press, December 14, 2023.

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