In brief
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has not only claimed lives but has also left a toxic legacy as asbestos becomes a dangerous reality for the territory's residents.
In the aftermath of Israel's extensive military actions in Gaza, experts are sounding alarms over the presence of asbestos in the debris of destroyed buildings. Once valued for its fire-resistant properties, asbestos is now recognized as a significant health threat, releasing microscopic toxins that can lead to severe lung diseases and cancers such as mesothelioma. As reported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), these hazardous fibers are prevalent in shoddy roofing materials found across Gaza's aging urban refugee camps, established for Palestinians displaced since the 1948-49 Arab-Israeli war.According to current estimates, approximately 2.3 million tons of rubble in Gaza could be tainted with asbestos, presenting a dire health risk to the densely packed population of around 2.1 million people within a mere 365 square kilometers. Experts highlight that damaged buildings release invisible fibers into the air, which can linger, posing long-term health concerns. Professor Bill Cookson from the National Centre for Mesothelioma Research warns of the silent yet deadly impact: "The legacy will continue, with children possibly suffering for decades due to early exposure."Gaza's residents are faced with immediate threats from ongoing military operations, relegating the dangers of dust inhalation, including asbestos exposure, to the background. High levels of exposure can aggravate latent health issues, with many unaware of the risks they face while trying to survive. Chiara Lodi, a medical coordinator for Medical Aid for Palestinians, emphasizes that survival priorities overshadow these health concerns as civilians grapple with the chaos around them. Asbestos, known for causing serious conditions including asbestosis and various cancers, remains a global issue despite being banned in many regions, including the UK and Israel. Given historical precedents, like the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York, experts predict that the long-term health impacts in Gaza could surpass immediate fatalities from the conflict itself. The difficulty of safely managing asbestos during reconstruction efforts is compounded by the necessary debris removal, which UNEP anticipates could extend over two decades and cost over $1 billion.As Gaza continues to navigate dire humanitarian needs, the threat of toxic exposure could lay dormant, matting the air with risks lethal enough to rival gaps in food and shelter.
