Due to these complaints, and at the request of the Shoham Municipality, the Ministry of Environmental Protection deployed a mobile air monitoring unit in the Hadarim neighborhood of Shoham. Continuous monitoring has been conducted by the unit since December 2, 2025, and the data are available for public viewing on the Environmental Air Monitoring website.
The station monitors air pollutants that serve as indicators of air pollution from waste burning, including PM2.5 particles and benzene. Inhalation exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular disease, while long-term inhalation exposure to benzene increases the risk of cancer and may harm the immune system. It is important to note that uncontrolled waste burning, especially of plastic and electronic products, may release additional substances, including organic compounds and heavy metals, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic.
During monitoring at the Hadarim neighborhood station in Shoham, measurement results showed several significant exceedances of both pollutants, particularly benzene.
The environmental and target value for benzene under the Clean Air Law regulations (2008) is 3.9 micrograms per cubic meter as a daily average (24 hours).
Since monitoring began in Shoham, measured benzene levels have been higher than the standard set in the health regulations and are unusually high compared with other measurements conducted by the Ministry of Environmental Protection at sites across the country (including the zone between Israel and the Palestinian Authority). From the start of monitoring through December 14, 2025 (inclusive), there were four days in which the measured value exceeded the daily standard.
According to data published by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the exceedances are not constant but occur in waves. Benzene concentrations generally rise during the evening hours, from about 8:00–9:00 PM through the morning hours of 7:00–8:00 AM, with a peak that significantly exceeds acceptable levels during the night (usually between 3:00 and 6:00 AM).
Until solutions to this issue are implemented by the relevant authorities, the following guidelines are provided for residents of the Hadarim neighborhood in Shoham to reduce the health impacts of this hazard.
If residents of nearby neighborhoods or neighboring communities are also affected by the air pollution, they may follow the same guidelines:
- All residents are advised to limit non-essential outdoor activities during the evening and early morning hours, especially people at higher risk, including individuals with chronic conditions (such as heart and cardiovascular conditions), people with lung conditions, older adults, children, and pregnant women.
- From the evening through the early morning hours, it is recommended to keep windows closed and turn off air conditioners that draw air from outside. Air conditioners that recirculate indoor air or fans may be used.
- If high values (above 3.9 micrograms per cubic meter) are recorded during the day, it is recommended to follow the above guidelines in all settings (workplaces, educational settings, and similar).
- It is important to avoid, as much as possible, additional sources of benzene exposure, such as smoking and fuel-based heating sources (including oil and wood), especially in enclosed spaces.
- If unusual symptoms develop, such as shortness of breath, seek medical care.
Continued monitoring by the Ministry of Environmental Protection is critically important.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation and will update the public with guidance as needed.