Researchers from the University of Haifa who conducted a comprehensive study and discovered that air pollution in the Haifa Bay area may have caused serious defects in newborns are called for an urgent meeting with Health Minister Yaakov Litzman and Environment Minister Avi Gabbay at the Knesset.
At the same time, the Rambam Hospital in Haifa instructed its doctors not to discuss the study until further notice.
The new research suggests a link between a high rate of infant disorders in the Haifa region and air pollution caused by heavy industry situated next to the northern port city. Symptoms of pollution-related disorders include smaller-than-average heads and relatively low weight, in addition to the high rates of cancer identified in previous studies, Channel 2 News reported Sunday.
Pollution in the Northern Israeli city of Haifa. April 15, 2015. Photo by Basel Awidat/FLASH90
The Haifa Bay is home to oil refineries, power plants, manufacturers of chemicals and metals and a major port, all of which have been a source of concern for residents after recent studies found higher cancer rates in the surrounding towns.
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