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
Two schools in Kiryat Ata, in the Haifa region, must suspend their classes for 24 hours after the detection of unusual air pollution near the Bazan petrochemical complex.
The decision was made by the Israeli Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the municipality. It concerns the social high school and the Erezim school, located near the industrial zone.
Measurements taken by environmental monitoring stations revealed abnormally high concentrations of benzene, a toxic and carcinogenic chemical compound. According to information reported by Ynet, the pollution level reached three times the permitted limit in one of the establishments, while classes were still being held normally.
The authorities recommend that residents living within a one-kilometer radius of the refineries avoid unnecessary outings. This recommendation applies particularly to children and pregnant women.
Employees in the industrial area are also advised to keep windows closed and use air conditioning.
According to the Ministry of Health, this pollution was detected while maintenance work and repairs of damage caused during the war were underway in the industrial complex.
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The first anomalies were recorded over the weekend at a monitoring station in Kiryat Ata. New high concentrations were then detected on October 11 at another station located in Haifa.
In response to the situation, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has ordered the suspension of maintenance work. The operator must submit a detailed program for the prevention of pollutant emissions before being allowed to resume the operations in question.
A new assessment of air quality should allow health authorities to determine whether restrictions can be lifted or if additional measures are necessary.