Ineos Styrolution temporarily closed a styrene monomer plant in Sarnia, Ontario, for what it says is a maintenance issue but followed reports of health issues among area residents.
A company spokesman confirmed the closing in an email to Plastics News. He said the closure was being done to perform maintenance and address a mechanical issue. The plant will resume operations once those issues are addressed, he added.
"At Ineos Styrolution, ensuring the health and safety of our employees and community is paramount," he said.
The plant makes styrene for Ineos Styrolution's downstream polystyrene operations and other business units in North America and Europe, according to the company website.
An April 20 report on the website of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. said that the closure followed complaints from a nearby First Nation community whose members say they had become ill from the plant's emissions.
According to the CBC report, the nearby Aamjiwnaang First Nation has asked the local government to close the plant after members who live in the area complained of health issues. The report added that test data indicated high levels of benzene in the air.
Benzene, used to make styrene monomer, is listed as a toxic substance in Canada and as a known carcinogen in the U.S.
Ineos Styrolution is a major global supplier of styrenic materials, including polystyrene and ABS. The Frankfurt-based firm employs more than 3,000 and has annual sales of around $7 billion.