👉 The Burlington Fumes refer to a series of toxic air pollution incidents that occurred in Burlington, Vermont, between 1950 and 1964, primarily affecting the communities along the Burlington Railroad tracks. These fumes were released by the railroad's diesel locomotives, which burned heavy fuel oil, leading to severe health issues for residents, including respiratory problems, eye irritation, and neurological effects. The pollution was so intense that it led to the closure of several schools and hospitals, and residents often had to evacuate their homes. Despite multiple investigations and public outcry, the railroad initially downplayed the severity of the issue, but eventually, stricter regulations were implemented to mitigate the pollution, marking a significant turning point in environmental awareness and regulation in the region.
