Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were briefed on Wednesday on the dangerous chemical leak from a railcar near Cincinnati, Ohio, that has prompted evacuations of school buildings and homes.

The White House announced that the US president had been briefed on the leak of styrene from a parked railcar in Whitewater Township, near Cleves, on the outskirts of Cincinnati, on Tuesday, saying: “Federal Railroad Administration and Environmental Protection Agency officials are on the ground assisting with hazmat operations and air quality testing.

“The president has directed his team to provide any resources that may be needed. We urge residents to heed the warnings of emergency personnel, especially those instructed to evacuate,” it added.

And a White House official said that Harris, the US vice-president and the Democratic party nominee for president in this November’s election, was coordinating with officials and she and Biden “urge residents to heed the warnings of emergency personnel, especially those instructed to evacuate”.

Aerial video showed firefighters spraying down the car, which was sitting upright on tracks between a highway and an asphalt plant.

Authorities said a pressure release valve on it was leaking styrene, a toxic and flammable chemical used to make plastic and rubber. It can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory issues, and long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems including organ damage.

Anyone within a half-mile of the area was advised to leave immediately. Residents just outside the evacuation area were told by the authorities to stay inside and keep their windows closed.

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