Benzene Levels Force School Closures Near Haifa Refinery
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Health and Environmental Protection Ministries issued an unusual warning on October 9-10, 2026, reporting abnormally high benzene levels near the Bazan refinery in Haifa. Classes were canceled at two Kiryat Ata schools, and the public was advised to stay at least one kilometer away. The high benzene concentrations were detected during maintenance work at the refinery, which has since been halted pending a corrective plan.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Abnormally high benzene levels were detected near the Bazan refinery in Haifa on October 9-10, 2026.
- Classes were canceled at two schools in Kiryat Ata due to the hazardous benzene concentrations.
- The public was advised to avoid the area within a one-kilometer radius of the refinery.
- The high benzene levels were linked to ongoing maintenance and repair work at the refinery.
- Maintenance work at the refinery has been immediately halted pending a corrective plan.
Health and Environmental Protection Ministries issued an unusual overnight warning on October 9-10, 2026, reporting abnormally high benzene concentrations near the Bazan refinery in Haifa. As a result, classes were canceled at two schools in Kiryat Ata: HaTichon HaSociali and Erezim. The public was advised to stay at least one kilometer away from the refinery, with particular caution for children and pregnant women. Workers in the industrial zone were recommended to close windows and run air conditioners. Benzene, a known carcinogen, is a byproduct of the oil industry. The ministries stated that the high levels were detected during ongoing maintenance and repair work at the refinery, which has been damaged during the war. The abnormal readings were measured at an environmental monitoring station near the "D'shanim" industrial zone in Kiryat Ata. Following consultation with the Health Ministry and coordination with the Kiryat Ata municipality, the directives for schools and the public were issued. Maintenance work was immediately halted upon discovery of the high levels. The Environmental Protection Ministry has demanded that Bazan investigate the incident and submit a detailed plan for future maintenance and preventative measures before resuming work.
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