Reports claim that the air in Alabama’s four largest cities contains such high amounts of chemicals like benzene that it could potentially danger thousands of people. The reports stem from a recent study conducted by environmentalists within the state.

The report was put together by the Conservation Alabama Foundation and researchers discovered that the state’s major cities had excessive levels of toxic chemicals. The cities that are supposedly at high risk are Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery and Huntsville. And according to Adam Snyder, the executive director of the organization, Phenix City is also in harm’s way.

Study Reveals Citizens Are at Risk

Snyder claims that of the 15 chemicals found to be inflicting the cities, benzene was at the top of the list for being the most life threatening and apparent. Data showed that the amount of benzene in the air is “far beyond” limits that have been established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Another thirteen of the chemicals found have also reportedly been linked to cancer.

“Our goal with this report is to elevate the issue so something can be done with it,” says Snyder. “We want the state to do something to clean up the air.”

Many researchers are also concerned since the report doesn’t conclude that these five cities are the only ones in the state with air pollution problems. These cities are just the ones where monitoring has been conducted.

“There could be more out there. We just don’t have the data,” Snyder states.

Exposure to benzene has been linked with various forms of cancer, including leukemia, for which a cure has not yet been found.
 

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