The Environment Agency is currently evaluating potential legal measures against Huntsman Polyurethanes in Teesside. The company is under scrutiny due to the release of benzene. Benzene is a substance known to cause cancer and leukemia. A recent Guardian investigation revealed this issue.
Huntsman Polyurethanes, located in Redcar, North Yorkshire, operates as a division of the Huntsman Corporation, a publicly traded global enterprise that achieved revenues of $6 billion in 2025. The Teesside factory is part of a large industrial area on the northeastern coast of England, which houses a variety of chemical manufacturing operations.
Failed Emission Control Method
In 2023, the company retired a process that had been used to lower benzene emissions and introduced a third-party method instead. Documents from the Environment Agency show that this new approach has frequently stopped working, resulting in benzene being released into the atmosphere directly.
Escalation of Emissions and Delayed Intervention
According to Environment Agency data, benzene emissions from the Redcar facility climbed from 13 tonnes in 2022 to 17 tonnes in 2024. The EA became aware of the problem in 2023 but did not initiate a formal investigation until this year, raising concerns about the delay in addressing the issue.
An inspection report from March by the Environment Agency highlighted multiple breaches of its permit. These breaches relate to benzene emissions. It cautioned that these violations could result in serious harm. The harm could be to both the environment and human health. David Santillo is a senior scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories in Exeter. He criticized the agency for its slow response. He called it a 'travesty'. He stressed the need for monitoring at the community level.
A representative from Huntsman Polyurethanes stated that the company’s emissions are entirely in compliance with the conditions of its permit. However, the Environment Agency has informed the UK Health Security Agency and the Health and Safety Executive about the breaches and is considering further legal action.
Regulatory and Environmental Modeling
In March 2026, the company was ordered to conduct modeling to evaluate the environmental impact of its emissions. In one scenario, emissions were projected to surpass the 24-hour limit by a staggering 933%. Following this, the Environment Agency noted in an internal review that while the emissions were significant, they remained under the relevant environmental standards.
Huntsman claimed that their independent air quality data shows that benzene levels outside the facility are still within acceptable limits. Meanwhile, Roel Vermeulen, a professor at Utrecht University, urged for immediate testing within communities and a simultaneous effort to reduce emissions.
Health and Public Concerns
Environmental experts and health professionals have expressed grave concerns over the situation. They emphasize the potential long-term risks to public health. Benzene is a key component in the production of plastics. It is among the most dangerous air pollutants. The World Health Organization noted that there is no safe threshold of exposure.
The Environment Agency acknowledged that Huntsman did not act proactively in addressing the emissions but also noted that earlier follow-up might have led to quicker improvements. It stated that recent actions have significantly enhanced the performance of the on-site abatement system.
Ally Lewis is a professor of atmospheric chemistry at the University of York. He criticized the Environment Agency for seemingly allowing a clear decline in air quality. He also mentioned an increase in a known carcinogen. He stated that this approach appears too hands-off. Roel Vermeulen is an environmental epidemiology professor. He stressed the urgency of measuring benzene levels in homes. He also emphasized the need for measurement in other community areas. He stressed the need to take measures to reduce emissions.
Despite the Environment Agency's findings that concentrations are within limits, critics argue that this approach overlooks the broader health risks, especially in a region already burdened by industrial activity. The debate highlights the need for stricter environmental oversight and a commitment to public health in managing industrial emissions.