Schools Closed for 24 Hours Near Haifa Refineries Due to Benzene Levels
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
The Israeli Ministry of Health suspended classes for 24 hours at two schools in Kiryat Ata on October 9-10 due to unusually high benzene levels near the Haifa Bay oil refineries. Residents within 1km were advised to stay indoors, and refinery maintenance was halted pending an investigation. The incident occurs amid efforts to reduce petrochemical activity in the area.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two schools in Kiryat Ata were closed for 24 hours due to high benzene levels near Haifa refineries.
- Unusually high benzene concentrations were detected by monitoring stations near the "Dshananim" industrial zone.
- Residents within 1km of the refineries were advised to limit outdoor activity.
- Refinery maintenance was halted pending an investigation into the pollution incident.
- The event occurs amid efforts to reduce petrochemical industry activity in Haifa Bay.
The Israeli Ministry of Health ordered a 24-hour suspension of classes at two schools in Kiryat Ata, near the Haifa Bay oil refinery complex, on October 9 and 10. Students were relocated after unusually high levels of benzene were detected in the air. The decision, made in coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Kiryat Ata municipality, affected the Social High School and the "Arzimm" school, both located in the "Dshananim" industrial zone close to the refineries.
Residents within a one-kilometer radius of the refineries, particularly children and pregnant women, were advised to limit outdoor activity. Workers in the industrial zone were instructed to close windows and use air conditioning. The Ministry of Environmental Protection reported that mobile monitoring station number 4, near "Dshananim," recorded very high and unusual benzene concentrations on October 9 and 10, while other nearby stations remained within permissible limits. Elevated levels were also detected on Sunday at the "Haifa, Old Licensing Office" station and mobile station number 4. Measurements taken Sunday morning showed a decrease, but levels rose again by the afternoon.
Refinery facilities have been undergoing routine maintenance and repairs from war damage. Following the detection of high pollution levels, maintenance work was halted after an urgent meeting with refinery representatives. The ministry demanded an investigation into the incident and a detailed plan for maintenance and preventative measures before work can resume.
The Ministries of Health and Environmental Protection will reassess the situation based on air quality monitoring results and announce updates accordingly. These actions occur as the Ministry of Environmental Protection pushes to halt petrochemical industry activity in Haifa Bay under national plan 75, aiming to improve air quality and public health.
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