Israel's destructive military campaign in Gaza has released a silent killer: asbestos. The mineral, once widely-used in building materials, releases toxic fibres into the air when disturbed that can cling to the lungs and - over decades - cause cancer. Nowadays, its use is banned across much of the world, but it is still present in many older buildings. In Gaza, it is found primarily in asbestos roofing used across the territory's eight urban refugee camps - which were set up for Palestinians who fled or were driven from their homes during the 1948-49 Arab-Israeli war - according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In October 2024, UNEP estimated that up to 2.3 million tons of rubble across Gaza could be contaminated with asbestos. "The Gaza rubble is a very, very toxic environment," says Professor Bill Cookson, director of the National Centre for Mesothelioma Research in London. "People are going to suffer acutely, but also in the longer term as well, things that children may carry throughout their lives." "The lives lost now are not going to end here. The legacy is going to continue," says Liz Darlison, CEO of Mesothelioma UK. When asbestos is disturbed by something like an air strike, its fibres - too small to see with the human eye - can be breathed in by those nearby and can then work their way through to the lining of the lungs. Over many years - usually decades - they can cause scarring which leads to a serious lung condition known as asbestosis, or, in some cases, an aggressive form of lung-cancer named mesothelioma. "Mesothelioma is a terrible, intractable illness," says Prof Cookson. "The really worrying thing," he adds, "is that it's not dose related. So even small inhalations of asbestos fibre can cause subsequent mesothelioma. "It grows within the pleural cavity. It's extremely painful. It's always diagnosed late. And it's pretty well resistant to all treatments." Typically, those who contract mesothelioma do so 20 to 60 years after exposure - meaning it will take decades before the possible impact across the territory is felt. A higher level, or longer period, of exposure is believed to accelerate the progression of the disease. Dr Ryan Hoy, whose research into dust inhalation was cited by the UNEP, says it is extremely difficult to avoid breathing in asbestos fibres because they are "really tiny particles that float in the air that can get very, very deep into the lungs." They are even harder to avoid, he says, because Gaza is so "densely populated". The territory houses approximately 2.1 million people and is 365 sq km (141 sq miles) - about one quarter of the size of London. Experts on the ground there say people are unable to manage the risks posed by asbestos or dust inhalation due to the more immediate dangers of Israel's military offensive. "At this point in time, [dust inhalation] is not something that is perceived as a worrying thing by the population. They even don't have things to eat, and they're more afraid to be killed by the bombs," says Chiara Lodi, medical co-ordinator in Gaza for the NGO Medical Aid for Palestinians. "The lack of awareness about the risks of asbestos, combined with the ongoing challenges [people in Gaza] face in trying to rebuild their lives, means they are unable to take the necessary measures to protect themselves," a Gaza-based spokesperson for the NGO SOS Children's Villages said. Many are "not fully aware of the harmful effects of the dust and debris", they added. After a previous conflict in Gaza in 2009, a UN survey of the territory found asbestos in debris from older buildings, sheds, temporary building extensions, roofs and the walls of livestock enclosures. There are several types of asbestos ranging from so-called "white asbestos", which is the least dangerous, to "blue", or crocidolite, which is the most. Highly-carcinogenic crocidolite asbestos was previously found in Gaza by the UN. Globally, around 68 countries have banned the use of asbestos, though some maintain exemptions for special use. It was banned in the UK in 1999, and Israel banned its use in buildings in 2011. As well as mesothelioma, asbestos can cause other forms of lung cancer, larynx and ovarian cancer. A further, lesser known risk is that of silicosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust, usually over many years. Concrete generally contains 20-60% silica. Dr Hoy says the sheer amount of dust in Gaza could lead to an "increased risk of respiratory tract infections, upper and lower airway infections, pneumonia, exacerbations of pre-existing lung disease like asthma," as well as, "emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which can be worsened by acute exposure to dust". For years, the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York have been used as a case-study by health experts to examine the effects of a large toxic dust-cloud on a civilian population. "The Twin Towers were not in the middle of a war zone," says Ms Darlison, "so it was something we were able to measure and quantify easier". As of December 2023, 5,249 of those who were registered with the US government's World Trade Center Health Programme have died as a result of aerodigestive illness or cancer - a far higher figure than the 2,296 people who were killed in the attack itself. A total of 34,113 people were diagnosed with cancer over the same period. TheUSand a group ofArab Stateshave proposed competing plans for the reconstruction of Gaza. The UN has warned that the process will have to be managed carefully to avoid disturbing the vast amounts of asbestos-contaminated rubble. "Unfortunately," says Ms Darlison, "the very properties that made us use so much of it are the properties that make it difficult to get rid of." A UNEP spokesperson told the BBC that the debris removals process will "increase the likelihood of asbestos disturbance and the release of hazardous fibres into the air". A UNEP assessment indicated that clearing all debris could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2 billion (£929m). The Israeli military launched its offensive on Gaza in response to Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023 that killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 251 people taken hostage. Israel's offensive has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not respond to the BBC's request for comment.
'Very, very toxic': The risk of asbestos in Gaza's rubble
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Asbestos Contamination in Gaza's Rubble Raises Health Concerns Amid Ongoing Conflict"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
The ongoing military conflict in Gaza has inadvertently released hazardous levels of asbestos into the environment, posing a significant health risk to the local population. Asbestos, a mineral once commonly used in construction, can release toxic fibers into the air when disturbed, leading to severe health issues, including cancer. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has identified that approximately 2.3 million tons of rubble in Gaza may be contaminated with asbestos, particularly in older buildings and roofing materials prevalent in urban refugee camps. Experts like Professor Bill Cookson highlight the serious long-term implications of exposure to asbestos, noting that individuals may suffer from conditions like mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, decades after initial exposure. The risk is exacerbated by the densely populated nature of Gaza, where the inhalation of asbestos fibers is difficult to avoid, especially in the wake of military actions that disturb the debris and release these harmful particles into the air.
Compounding the problem is the lack of awareness among the local population regarding the dangers posed by asbestos and dust inhalation. Many residents are preoccupied with immediate threats to their safety and survival, such as military strikes and food shortages, which diminishes their capacity to address the risks associated with the toxic environment. Health experts warn that the health crisis in Gaza could mirror the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York, where exposure to toxic dust led to significant respiratory illnesses and cancer diagnoses among first responders and civilians. The reconstruction efforts in Gaza will require careful management to prevent further disturbance of asbestos-contaminated rubble. The UNEP has estimated that clearing debris could take up to 21 years and cost approximately $1.2 billion, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to safeguard public health in the region amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure in the aftermath of the military conflict in Gaza. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, poses a significant danger to the population, particularly in the context of destroyed buildings and rubble. The piece aims to raise awareness about the overlooked health crisis stemming from the destruction, urging readers to consider the long-term implications of such exposure.
Health Risks and Long-Term Consequences
The report emphasizes the dangers posed by asbestos, particularly in a region like Gaza, where its use in older buildings is prevalent. The narrative presents a dire picture of the potential health crisis that could unfold as a result of exposure to asbestos fibers released during airstrikes. Experts quoted in the article express concern over both immediate and long-term health effects, including asbestosis and mesothelioma, diseases that manifest many years after exposure. This framing serves to highlight the urgency of the situation and its potential to affect generations.
Public Perception and Emotional Appeal
The language used in the article evokes a sense of urgency and concern. By describing the environment as "very, very toxic," the article aims to instill fear and highlight the severity of the situation. This emotional appeal may be designed to garner sympathy and support from readers, particularly those who are already sensitive to issues of health and safety in conflict zones. The use of expert opinions further legitimizes the claims made, reinforcing the article's credibility while also amplifying the emotional impact.
Potential Underlying Agendas
While the article focuses on the health risks of asbestos, it may also serve to critique the broader consequences of conflict in Gaza. By shedding light on the aftermath of military campaigns, the piece could be seen as a call to action for international bodies to address the humanitarian issues arising from such conflicts. There may be an intention to shift public attention from immediate military concerns to long-term health and environmental issues, thereby influencing policy discussions.
Comparative Analysis with Other Reports
When contrasted with other reports on Gaza, this article aligns with a growing body of literature emphasizing the humanitarian crises that follow military interventions. Many reports focus on immediate casualties and infrastructure damage, but this article distinguishes itself by addressing a hidden health crisis, suggesting a shift in how conflict-related impacts are discussed in the media.
Societal Impact and Future Scenarios
The exposure to asbestos can have serious implications not only for individual health but also for the healthcare system in Gaza. The long-term health effects could overwhelm local medical resources, leading to increased mortality rates and a decreased quality of life. Additionally, this issue could ignite international calls for aid and intervention, which might affect political dynamics within the region.
Target Audience and Community Response
This article is likely to resonate more with health-conscious communities, humanitarian organizations, and individuals concerned about environmental health. By addressing the invisible dangers of asbestos, it targets readers who may not typically engage with conflict news but are drawn to health and safety narratives.
Economic and Market Implications
Though the article primarily discusses health issues, it has potential implications for markets, particularly those involved in construction and environmental remediation. Companies specializing in asbestos removal or health services could see increased demand due to raised awareness of the risks. Furthermore, investors focused on socially responsible enterprises may take note of the situation in Gaza as it unfolds.
Geopolitical Context
The article contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the often-ignored health impacts of warfare. In the context of global power dynamics, highlighting such humanitarian issues may influence international perceptions of the conflict and prompt discussions on accountability and responsibility in warfare.
AI Influence on Content
While it’s unlikely that AI was directly involved in writing this specific article, it’s possible that AI tools were employed in data gathering or analysis stages, particularly in assessing the extent of asbestos contamination. AI models could have been used to analyze historical data on asbestos usage in construction, contributing to the article’s factual basis.
The article appears to be a credible source of information, backed by expert testimony and reputable organizations. However, its emotive language and focus on long-term health risks may indicate a degree of manipulation aimed at influencing public perception about the consequences of military actions in Gaza. The framing directs attention towards a neglected aspect of the conflict, potentially serving broader agendas related to health, humanitarian aid, and political accountability.