Cancer-causing Toxins in Fort Worth, Texas

Local media in Fort Worth, Texas are reporting on elevated levels of benzene in that area.

A map generated by state politicians was released this week, showing where elevated levels of the cancer-causing toxin have been found.

These same politicians are arguing that these elevated levels show a need for long-term air monitoring.

Elevated levels of benzene have been found in samples in four areas in and around Fort Worth since December. State scientists get concerned about benzene levels when they're higher than 1.4 parts per billion continuously, over the course of years.

TCEQ Executive Director Mark Vickery says it is his agency's goal to identify the area and have the monitor fully operational my the end of the summer.

The big question investigators have to figure out now is whether elevated levels are just a spike. If they're not sustained over the course of years, they could still be safe.  State toxicologists say long term monitors are essential to answer that question.