Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Sarnia, Ont., is calling on all levels of government to shut down a facility after data indicated high levels of a harmful chemical were present in the air.
In a news release, the First Nation said it sent its employees homes Tuesday as they were complaining of headaches, nausea and dizziness — symptoms associated with high levels of benzene.
According to preliminary data from pollutant monitors in the region, multiple times this month, the air quality was recorded as poor and moderate from benzene levels.
The First Nation blames the pollution on the operations of INEOS Styrolution, which produces chemicals used in plastic and rubber products. The facility is just one of many industrial companies in an area that environmental advocates have called “chemical valley.”
Aamjiwnaang’s band office is down the street from the INEOS facility.
“Immediate reforms are needed to address the systemic racism which pervades the environmental protection regime and allows industry proponents, such as INEOS, to continue with ‘business as usual,'” reads part of the statement released by the First Nation.
Benzene, according to the World Health Organization, is associated with a range of “acute and long-term adverse health effects and diseases,” including cancer and blood issues.
Company says it upholds safety protocols
INEOS Styrolution told CBC news in an email Wednesday that it understands Aamjiwnaang First Nation’s concerns and is “carefully reviewing this data and any concerns.”
