KINGSTON, Jamaica – The air quality report on the Riverton dump fire, commissioned by the Health Ministry, shows that the samples of air pollutants taken from the site contained high levels of hazardous substances including benzene. According to a release from the ministry, the samples were taken during the period of March 13-14. The release said that the prolonged or long-term exposure to benzene has been blamed for causing cancers such as leukemia. According to the Centres for Disease Control, USA, long-term exposure to benzene is exposure for over one year, it added. Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse said the sampling for volatile organic compounds shows that benzene was at the highest level ever recorded by the ministry. “The high level of benzene is directly attributed to the burning at the Riverton Disposal Site. We consider this a significant public health issue,” she said. Dr DuCasse added that the other particulate matter found in the air during the testing can cause mild to severe effects on the respiratory tract, including lung irritation and respiratory distress. In addition the feeling of suffocation and hyperventilation that some persons have been experiencing could be due to the displacement of oxygen by the heavy gas emissions. She advised that children, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma should be closely supervised. “If persons experience any sort of respiratory symptoms they should take their prescribed medication or seek medical attention immediately,” Dr DuCasse cautioned. The Ministry of Health says it will continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with the National Environment and Planning Agency.