Kiryat Ata schools reopen as benzene levels normalize

The Health Ministry announced Monday evening that it is canceling the directive requiring alternative learning sites for two high schools in Kiryat Ata's industrial zone. The decision follows updated environmental monitoring data showing a significant drop in airborne benzene concentrations to levels below the regulatory environmental standard.

The directive was issued Sunday after benzene readings spiked in the area, against the backdrop of maintenance work at Bazan refineries in the zone. The ministry had acted out of precautionary principle to protect the health of students and teaching staff, ordering the transfer of pupils to alternative sites.

Back to routine starting Tuesday

Based on the current situation assessment, classes at both schools, Tichon Hachevrati and Arazim School, will resume normal operations starting Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The decision was made after environmental monitoring data showed that concentrations of the carcinogenic substance benzene had fallen below the regulatory threshold, and the public health risk had passed.

The Health Ministry clarified that it will continue tracking environmental monitoring data daily, in coordination with the Environmental Protection Ministry and relevant authorities, and will update the public as needed. The work at Bazan facilities, which included periodic maintenance and repair of damage sustained during the war, was the cause of the temporary rise in benzene concentrations.

Background: severe exceedances over the weekend

During the past weekend (October 9–10, 2026), extremely high benzene concentrations were measured at the environmental monitoring station near the Dashanim industrial area in Kiryat Ata. Subsequently, elevated readings were also recorded at the Haifa monitoring station near the old licensing bureau. Despite a temporary drop in concentrations during morning hours, an upward trend resumed in the afternoon.

In light of the situation, the Health Ministry, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Ministry and in coordination with Kiryat Ata municipality, ordered the suspension of classes for the coming day at Tichon Hachevrati and Arazim School, both located near the complex. In addition, the ministries recommended that the general population within a kilometer of the refineries, particularly children and pregnant women, avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.

Now that conditions have returned to normal and concentrations have dropped, students will be able to return to regular studies. The Health Ministry continues close monitoring of air quality in the area to ensure the health of residents and students.