Benzene Problems in Fort Worth
Reports claim that officials in Fort Worth, Texas, are getting ready to take action regarding the recent reports of high levels of benzene in the air. The the cancer-causing chemical has reportedly been infesting the surrounding Barnett Shale natural gas facilities.City leaders are concerned that the air quality is not only harming the environment but is also causing physical harm to the local residents living in and around the Fort Worth area. They say that they are now ready to take action in order to protect the citizens of Texas.
"I don't think we can wait," says council member Kathleen Hicks, referring to the time it may take to have a thorough examination of the environmental impact the benzene has had on Fort Worth.
Hicks says she is concerned after hearing that infrared cameras near some gas facilities in the Barnett Shale found high levels of benzene.
"I think this is something we need to deal with as soon as possible," she told reporters.
Benzene Exposure Remains a Concern
Benzene is a highly toxic chemical that can lead to the development of leukemia and other rare blood disorders if inhaled or ingested over time. Several benzene exposure lawsuits have been filed across the country in recent months with the help of a benzene attorney and city officials are hoping it won't come to this in their community. At a recent Forth Worth City Council meeting Hicks, along with Mayor Mike Moncrief, supposedly directed city staffers to put together a report on what's known about benzene emissions. Some of the questions include:
- Who should be testing the air?
- What are other cities are doing to protect their citizens?
One example that was brought to the attention of local residents and some city council members was that in nearby Colleyville officials are considering requiring air quality sampling be done during all phases of the gas drilling process as a precaution to prevent benzene exposure. This will also require conditions to be met before drilling permits are given out.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality investigators have been taking more air samples throughout the week. They are expected to give a complete report of what they discover in terms of the levels of benzene in air by the end of the year.
