Chemical Pollution Near Haifa, Two Schools Closed After Abnormal Benzene Concentrations

Chemical pollution near Haifa, two schools closed after abnormal benzene concentrations

The Israeli health authorities have ordered the temporary closure of two schools near Haifa after the detection of abnormally high concentrations of benzene

Benzene spike near Haifa refineries closes two schools; residents urged to limit outd

Health Ministry orders two schools in Kiryat Ata to relocate classes for 24 hours after unusually high benzene readings near the Bazan refinery complex; residents within one kilometer, particularly children and pregnant women, are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity

TOXIC AIR ALERT: Schools Shut Down Near Haifa Refineries as Dangerous Benzene Levels Prompt Warnings to Residents

Israeli health and environmental authorities have ordered the suspension of classes at two schools in Kiryat Ata, near Haifa, following the detection of exceptionally high concentrations of benzene in the air surrounding the Haifa Bay oil refineries. Residents living near the industrial complex have been advised to remain indoors whenever possible, close their windows, and limit unnecessary outdoor activity. The emergency precautions were announced Sunday after air-monitoring stations recorded unusually elevated levels of the hazardous chemical over several days, raising concerns about potential exposure among residents, schoolchildren, and workers in the surrounding communities. In coordination with the Kiryat Ata Municipality, the Health Ministry and Environmental Protection Ministry decided that regular classes would not take place at the Social High School and the Erezim School during the following 24 hours. Both institutions are located near the refinery complex, and arrangements were made to relocate their students to alternative facilities. The ministries issued special guidance for people living or working within approximately one kilometer, or about six-tenths of a mile, of the refineries. Residents were urged to avoid spending time outdoors unless necessary, with particular emphasis on protecting children and pregnant women. Employees at nearby industrial facilities were also advised to keep windows closed and operate air-conditioning systems to reduce the amount of outdoor air entering their workplaces. The warnings followed troubling readings recorded over the weekend of October 9 and 10, when monitoring equipment near the Deshanim industrial area in Kiryat Ata detected exceptionally high benzene concentrations. Additional elevated readings were recorded Sunday at a monitoring station in Haifa near the former vehicle licensing office, indicating that the problem was affecting more than one monitoring location in the Haifa Bay area. Although measurements showed some improvement Sunday morning, benzene concentrations began climbing again during the afternoon, prompting authorities to maintain precautionary measures and issue public warnings. Benzene is a hazardous chemical found in petroleum and other industrial products. Exposure to elevated concentrations can pose health risks, and prolonged exposure has been associated with serious illnesses, including certain blood cancers. The level of danger in any particular incident depends on the concentration of the chemical and the duration of exposure. In response to the monitoring results, the Environmental Protection Ministry ordered an immediate halt to maintenance operations at the Bazan refinery complex. The maintenance activities had been taking place in recent days alongside repair work intended to restore damage sustained by the facilities during the war. Environmental officials instructed the refinery operator to investigate the incident and determine the circumstances responsible for the abnormal benzene readings. The ministry also demanded that the company submit a detailed plan outlining its intended work procedures and the safeguards it would implement to prevent further violations of air-quality standards. Approval to resume the suspended operations will depend on the ministry’s review of those plans and the measures proposed to prevent additional hazardous emissions. The situation has renewed attention to the environmental concerns surrounding the Haifa Bay industrial zone, where large petrochemical facilities operate near populated residential neighborhoods, schools, and commercial areas. Officials from the Health Ministry and Environmental Protection Ministry are expected to conduct another assessment Monday, October 12, using updated air-monitoring results to determine whether the restrictions can be eased or whether further precautions are necessary. Residents have been advised to follow official instructions as authorities continue monitoring air quality in the affected areas. {Matzav.com}