Environment study finds high levels of benzene at Aamjiwnaang First Nation, south Sarnia – London
November 30, 2023
An air exposure review of the Sarnia area, which looked at air quality dating back to 2015, has found that there are elevated airborne concentrations of benzene.
The final results of the Sarnia Area Environmental Health Project were released Wednesday evening in Point Edward.
Benzene is a chemical that is clear or light-yellow in colour that is primarily used in pharmaceutical industries, a starting material in other chemicals and in gasoline.
The results found that this chemical can increase the risk of blood cancers, such as leukemia.
It also found that the northern parts of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the industrial areas in south Sarnia are at the highest risk.
Project Lead Glenn Ferguson said to keep on top of the concentration levels, monitoring is key.
