Aamjiwnaang First Nation Urges Evacuation Amid Benzene Removal from Sarnia Plant

Residents near the INEOS Styrolution site face potential health risks as benzene levels may rise during the removal process.

Aamjiwnaang First Nation declared a state of emergency in April due to high benzene levels causing illness among residents.
Approximately 100 people have been advised to evacuate as the removal of benzene from the INEOS plant begins this week.
The Ontario government revoked the plant's environmental compliance approval in May, and the facility is set to close permanently by 2026.
Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault has described the evacuation as precautionary, with ongoing monitoring by federal and provincial authorities.
Benzene, used in manufacturing plastics, is linked to cancer and neurological symptoms, prompting strict government regulations at the plant.