If you live near the Irving Oil Refinery in Saint John, the air you breathe contains elevated levels of a known cancer causing pollutant. Recent data shows benzene levels in the Champlain Heights neighbourhood reached their highest point since 2000. Residents and environmental advocates now look to upcoming provincial regulations to clear the air.
According to a recent report by CBC News, the provincial air quality monitoring station near Champlain Heights School recorded an annual average benzene concentration of 0.528 parts per billion.
New Brunswick does not currently regulate benzene under its Clean Air Act. The province relies on Ontario benchmarks, which set the safe limit at 0.14 parts per billion. The Saint John readings sit well above that target.
The Invisible Threat
Benzene is a colourless liquid hydrocarbon found in crude oil. It releases volatile organic compounds into the air during industrial processes. Gordon Dalzell lives in the area and monitors these levels closely.
“People can’t taste VOCs,” Dalzell told CBC. “You can’t smell them. You can’t see them, of course, and they are just invisible, but they are there. Remember, this ambient air is the actual air that we breathe.”
Weighing the Health Risks
Health organizations link prolonged benzene exposure to forms of leukemia. Experts debate the immediate danger to the public. Michael Brauer, a professor at the University of British Columbia, notes the cancer risk increases but remains small compared to risks from poor diets or wildfire smoke.
Miriam Diamond, a professor at the University of Toronto, argues the Ontario benchmark relies on solid evidence. “There should be some measures that the refinery can take to minimize releases of benzene,” Diamond said.
Melanie Langille, CEO of NB Lung, questions the lack of immediate action. “If these numbers for a carcinogenic chemical in the air in a residential neighbourhood are consistently higher than what we’re referencing as what another jurisdiction has indicated is safe, why is that OK? And what’s being done to fix it?”
New Rules Approaching
The New Brunswick government is reviewing the 1997 Clean Air Act. Proposed updates include adopting the Ontario benchmark of 0.14 parts per billion for benzene. The Environment Department stated the review focuses on strengthening protections and reducing human exposure to air pollutants.
Federal regulations introduced last March also target volatile organic compound emissions from industrial storage tanks and leaks. Dalzell believes these combined legal requirements will force the refinery to lower its emissions and improve the air quality in east Saint John.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is benzene?
Benzene is a colourless liquid hydrocarbon found in crude oil that releases volatile organic compounds into the air.
Why are Saint John benzene levels a concern?
The monitoring station in Champlain Heights recorded benzene levels at 0.528 parts per billion. This is the highest level since 2000 and significantly exceeds the Ontario safety benchmark of 0.14 parts per billion.
Is benzene currently regulated in New Brunswick?
No. The New Brunswick Clean Air Act does not currently regulate benzene. The province is reviewing the act and proposes adding the Ontario benchmark to the updated legislation.
What are the health risks of benzene exposure?
Prolonged exposure to benzene increases the risk of developing forms of leukemia. The World Health Organization states there are no safe exposure levels for benzene.
I appreciate being made aware of the situation, and thank you for bringing it to our attention. However, shame on those in power if they don’t address this immediately, without all the nonsense studies and task forces to review it.
Thank you. Years ago, the Conservation Council of N.B., did a report saying the cancer rate in Saint John was higher than Fredericton or Moncton. The Province of N.B., is negligent on their responsibilities.