Benzene Pollution Levels Force School Closures in Kiryat Ata
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Benzene pollution levels, 3.3 times the permitted standard, were recorded near a school in Kiryat Ata, prompting authorities to suspend classes. The refinery group Bazan attributed the spike to renovation work. Following public outcry, schools near the refinery will relocate for 24 hours, and residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benzene pollution near a Kiryat Ata school was 3.3 times the permitted level.
- Classes were initially held despite high pollution, but later suspended.
- Schools near the refinery will relocate for 24 hours due to pollution.
- Residents within 1km of the refinery are advised to limit outdoor activity.
- Maintenance work at the refinery has been halted pending an investigation.
High levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, were detected at a school in Kiryat Ata, reaching 12.9 cubic meters per day, which is 3.3 times the permitted standard. This pollution is linked to increased leukemia rates. Despite the dangerous levels, classes resumed as normal on Sunday morning.
Bazan, the refinery group, stated that the increased emission was due to renovation work on one of its facilities and that relevant government authorities were informed in advance. However, the Ministries of Environmental Protection, Health, and Education did not cancel classes on Sunday.
Following media reports, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health announced that classes would be suspended for the next 24 hours at schools near the refinery complex. These students will attend classes at alternative locations. The ministries also advised the general public within a kilometer of the refineries, especially children and pregnant women, to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity. Workers in the industrial zone were advised to close windows and use air conditioning.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection ordered a halt to the maintenance work after a morning discussion with Bazan representatives. The ministry also demanded an investigation into the incident and a detailed plan for maintenance work and measures to prevent future exceedances as a condition for resuming operations. Monitoring indicated a decrease in pollution during school hours on Sunday, but levels rose again in the afternoon.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection is continuing its policy to cease petrochemical industry operations in the Haifa Bay area, working with government partners to implement this decision and promote sustainable development to improve air quality and public health.
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