Benzene causes more closures at Aamjiwnaang First Nation – CTV News

May 7, 2024

Officials on the Aamjiwnaang First Nation say they’ve shut down buildings because of continued high benzene readings.

They say the band office and other nearby facilities were shut down Monday and they’ll remain closed Tuesday.

Staff have been instructed to work from home and residents are asked to avoid the area.

Ineos Styrolution notified the community of elevated benzene levels Monday morning, claiming no adverse effects are anticipated.

The company was ordered by the province last week to stop production after people on the First Nation got sick.

Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable.