UK plastic manufacturer could face legal action over toxic emissions
Summary
A plastic factory in northern England, Huntsman Polyurethanes, may face legal action because it released unsafe levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer. The Environment Agency said the factory broke rules by letting benzene escape into the air after changing its pollution control system.Key Facts
- Huntsman Polyurethanes is a chemical plant in Teesside, North Yorkshire, part of the global Huntsman Corporation.
- Benzene is a toxic chemical used in plastics and is known to cause cancer, including leukemia.
- The factory switched its pollution control method in 2023, which stopped working properly and allowed benzene to leak into the air.
- Benzene emissions rose from 13 tonnes in 2022 to 17 tonnes in 2024.
- The Environment Agency found multiple breaches of the factory’s pollution permit and is thinking about taking legal action.
- The factory claimed it followed all permit rules, but official air quality tests showed serious violations, including a possible 933% exceedance of legal benzene limits in one case.
- Experts and campaigners warn these emissions could harm workers and nearby communities, including schools.
- The Environment Agency has informed health authorities to check for risks and says the factory’s pollution control has recently improved.
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