For years, Darwin residents have been concerned about toxic chemicals emitted by the city’s two gas export facilities.

In fact, some locals are so worried about these airborne chemicals – particularly benzene – they recently formed a community group and launched a fundraiser to buy a regulation-grade mobile device for continuous monitoring.

Only days later, the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NTEPA) approved a permit extension allowing international gas giant Santos to emit – or “hot vent” – toxic gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, for an extra 26 days each year. Santos already has permission to emit for 36 days each year.

The evidence shows benzene and other gas-related chemicals pose significant health risks. So why is the NT willing to green-light this additional pollution without more rigorous monitoring?

Why benzene exposure is a problem

Among the many hazardous gases released into the atmosphere during gas and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) production, benzene is one of the most concerning.

Many recent studies link benzene exposure to significant health risks, both alone and with other “BTEX” chemicals (toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene).

These risks include cancers, childhood asthma, heart and respiratory diseases, hospitalisations and deaths, low birth weight and cancer risks to the developing fetus, even at low levels of exposure in outdoor environments.

The research is clear: there is no safe level of exposure to benzene. Every........

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