ArmInfo
Ecologists say that benzol concentration in Yerevan and Vanadzor is 1.5 times higher than the admissible level.
Ecology Minister of Armenia Aram Haroutyunyan says that the key sources of benzol are Nairit rubber plant in Yerevan and Prometey Khimprom in Vanadzor.
So, he has instructed his men to carry out an ecological inspection of the companies. If the inspection confirms the Minister's suspicions, the companies will have to pay big fines.
Doctors say that high benzol concentration may result in sickness and dizziness. The key derivative of benzol is toluene: in Yerevan its concentration is 2.4 times higher than allowed, in Vanadzor - 1.9 times higher. Long-term exposure to benzol may result in leukemia and anemia.
To remind, last year Prometey Khimprom was bought by Roding International Limited Company (Russia) for $ 25mln. Presently, the company produces synthetic corunds and calcium carbide. There was a big explosion in Nairit's wastewater collector in Oct 2006. The Ecology Ministry has carried out inquiry and has proved that the blast was caused by explosive gases produced by waste from Nairit.
April 08, 2008