Haifa Bay Thermal Imaging Exposes Severe Carcinogenic Benzene Emissions
Thermal imaging reveals severe carcinogenic benzene emissions from fuel terminals in Haifa Bay, forcing school closures and drawing a strict regulatory crackdown.
Thermal imaging inspections in the Haifa Bay area have revealed severe emissions of fuel vapors from tankers at distribution terminals, notably within the Bazan complex. These vapors, containing carcinogenic volatile organic compounds such as benzene, are released directly into the open air without vapor recovery treatment.
The health risks have materialized into emergency measures, as severe benzene concentration spikes forced the Ministry of Health to order the closure of two schools in Kiryat Ata to protect students and staff.
Avihu Hahn, Deputy Mayor of Haifa and Chairman of the Haifa Bay Association of Towns for Environmental Protection, stressed that the findings highlight the critical need for professional oversight and advanced technologies to detect pollutant emissions.
Dr. Lihi Shahar Berman, CEO of the Haifa Bay Association of Towns for Environmental Protection, added that thermal imaging cameras successfully expose fuel vapor leaks that bypass standard management systems.
Following these alarming discoveries, the Ministry of Environmental Protection adopted a firm regulatory stance. Due to repeated serious violations at the Gadiv facility within the Bazan group, the ministry refused to approve the resumption of renovation work on benzene-heavy units.
Ministry of Environmental Protection CEO Rami Rosen stated that the agency strictly demands compliance with all administrative orders and maintains ongoing oversight to safeguard public health and regional environmental standards.
