MARCH 22, 2015
VALLEY MILLS, TEXAS (AP)
Authorities say about a dozen train cars derailed in Valley
Mills, Central Texas, and an industrial solvent leaked from one tanker. Valley Mills is about 25 miles northwest of
Waco.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Trooper D.L. Wilson said
no injuries or fires were reported in the Saturday evening accident near Valley
Mills, but that about four homes were evacuated as a precaution. Residents
returned home around 9 p.m.
Wilson said they initially thought methanol was leaking, but
later discovered it was dimethylformamide, which if inhaled can cause nausea
and vomiting.
BNSF Railway spokesman Joe Faust says about 7,000 gallons of
the flammable liquid spilled but it has been contained and poses no threat. He
says the cleanup should be finished by late Sunday night.
The cause of the derailment is unclear. The pipe the train was carrying appeared to
be lose and it could have contributed to the derailment.
Emergency overview for dimethylformamide
Appearance: liquid,, clear
Warning! Combustible liquid and vapor.
May be harmful if Inhaled or swallowed.
Causes eye irritation.
Harmful if Absorbed through the skin.
Prolonged or repeated contact may dry the skin and cause
irritation and burns.
Carcinogenicity
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified
dimethylformamide as a possible human carcinogen (group 2B) based, in part, on information
from two epidemiological studies. One study indicated a possible excess of testicular
cancer among a cluster of aircraft mechanics who used DMF without wearing protective
equipment. The second study, conducted at a Dupont plant in 1986, indicated a
possible excess of mouth, throat, and skin cancer. A follow-up study was
initiated by Dupont on an average exposed population of 8700 people per year
over 30 years. Results of that study
showed no excess of cancers with exposure to DMF. This study had not been
published at the time of the IARC classification.