The Aamjiwnaang First Nation, situated in Ontario, has been under a declared state of emergency for over a year due to alarming levels of a toxic chemical. This Indigenous community is now recommending the evacuation of a portion of its members in light of ongoing health concerns related to elevated emissions of benzene.

A state of emergency was first declared in April 2024, which led to an evacuation notice being issued in October of the same year. The concerns regarding benzene, a known carcinogen, escalated following reports from the First Nation indicating that some residents were experiencing health issues linked to the toxic exposure.

This situation has developed concurrently with the decommissioning of a neighboring styrene plant in Sarnia, Ontario. The facility was shut down in April 2024 after a significant spike in benzene levels was detected. This spike raised alarms within the Aamjiwnaang community, prompting health officials to act swiftly to investigate the area’s safety.

The plant owner, INEOS Styrolution, recently issued a public notice stating that decommissioning work began earlier this month and has progressed satisfactorily. They expressed gratitude for the community’s patience during this complex process. INEOS Styrolution has announced plans for the complete closure of the plant by June 2026, a timeline designed to provide an end to the emissions affecting the area.

Benzene is a clear, mostly colorless liquid that is a component of crude oil. It is widely used in the production of styrene, a lightweight plastic prevalent in various consumer products like auto parts, food containers, and toys. However, exposure to benzene has severe health implications, particularly neurological symptoms such as dizziness and headaches following short-term exposure. Furthermore, long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to serious illnesses, including leukemia, underscoring the urgent need for community safety measures.

This evolving health crisis has incited apprehension within the First Nation, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive assessments and remedial actions to protect its inhabitants. As concerns continue to grow about the impact of industrial emissions on the community, the Aamjiwnaang First Nation is advocating for greater awareness and intervention to safeguard the health and wellbeing of its residents.