Chemical Pollution Near Haifa Closes Two Schools Amid Benzene Spike

Two schools in Kiryat Ata, near Haifa, will suspend classes for 24 hours following the detection of unusual air pollution near the Bazan petrochemical complex. The decision was made by Israel's Ministry of Health in coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the local municipality. The affected schools are the Social High School and Erezim School, both located near the industrial zone. Environmental monitoring stations recorded abnormally high concentrations of benzene, a toxic and carcinogenic chemical compound. Reports indicate that pollution levels reached three times the authorized limit at one of the schools while classes were still in session. Authorities are advising residents within a one-kilometer radius of the refineries, particularly children and pregnant women, to limit non-essential outdoor activity. Employees in the industrial zone have also been instructed to close windows and use air conditioning. The Ministry of Health stated that the pollution was detected during ongoing maintenance and repair work on war-related damage at the industrial complex. Initial anomalies were registered over the weekend at a Kiryatata monitoring station, with further high concentrations reported on October 11 in Haifa. In response, the Ministry of Environmental Protection ordered a halt to the maintenance work. The complex operator must submit a detailed pollution prevention plan before resuming operations. A new air quality assessment will determine if restrictions can be lifted or if further measures are required.