KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Newly published data mandated by the State of Michigan shows concentrations of toxic gas in the air near the Graphic Packaging International facility in Kalamazoo are higher than the federal standard.
The company’s paper mill at 1500 Pitcher Street began posting its sensor data May 1 as required by the state enforcement action.
According to MLive, the data over the first four days of May has shows hydrogen sulfide concentrations near the factory as high as four parts per billion. Hydrogen sulfide is a foul-smelling gas that can cause health issues in humans exposed to it.
The federal government says levels shouldn’t exceed 1.4 parts per billion for long-term exposure of a year or more, to protect public health. According to the Environmental protection Agency, levels below 1.4 parts per billion have minimal to no health risk for exposure over a lifetime.
The company is being forced to post the live data from air sensors after having multiple air quality violations. A state report on health effects from the pollution is still in progress.
The sensors at the Kalamazoo Graphic Packaging facility were installed in 2020 and 2021, with company officials have monitored gas levels. This is the first time the recorded gas levels are being released to the public.
The city of Kalamazoo has a similar network of hydrogen sulfide sensors at locations around the city.
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