Legislators in New York are seeking the removal of tolls at the Grand Island bridges after a study showed that benzene levels in the area are 100 times higher than what the state considers safe. Benzene is a carcinogen and it’s released by cars idling at the tolls.

The benzene emissions are a major health risk to residents in the Tonawanda area. A local legislator said she is encouraging the governor to use stimulus funds to remove the barriers.

If you have concerns about benzene exposure, either through vehicle emissions or groundwater contamination from industrial waste, it might be in your best interest to contact your local Congress person to find out what – if anything – is being done about the problem.

Tags: "Benzene Exposure" carcinogens "water contamination", carcinogens, Information-News, water contamination