The Israeli bombardment of Gaza has not only caused immediate destruction, it has also created a more deadly enemy. Its name is Asbestos. This is a mineral which is not dangerous for humans in normal conditions, but due to bombing it can prove fatal by spreading in the air. Experts believe that there could be a huge increase in cancer cases in Gaza in the future.
According to UN, 8 lakh tons of debris may contain asbestos.
The United Nations estimates that about 800,000 tons of debris in Gaza's destroyed structures may be contaminated with asbestos. Given this danger, asbestos expert Roger Wylie has called it a “death sentence” for the citizens of Gaza. He says that there will be many new cases of cancer in Gaza in the coming decades.
Comparison with 9/11 incident
According to Al-Jazeera's report, Roger Wiley has compared the effects of asbestos in Gaza to the situation after the 9/11 World Trade Center attack in New York. He told that even at that time asbestos particles had spread in the air and years later people started suffering from serious diseases. According to Willey, this threat is equally serious in Gaza also.
increased risk of mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of cancer called mesothelioma. This cancer occurs in the membranes around the lungs or stomach. Apart from this, asbestos can also cause cancer of lungs, throat and ovaries. This condition causes deep breathing problems, cough and permanent lung damage.
Gaza refugee camps most at risk
The biggest concern is the presence of asbestos in Gaza refugee camps during Israeli attacks. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) found that old buildings and temporary constructions in these camps contained large amounts of asbestos. This poisonous substance can not only cause cancer but can also have serious effects on people's health for decades.
The real tragedy will happen in the coming years
According to Liz Darlison, asbestos expert and CEO of Mesothelioma UK, the threat of ground war and air raids comes to mind at the moment, but the tragedy caused by asbestos exposure in the years to come will be slow and deadly. Thus, asbestos-related deaths will continue to loom in Gaza for decades. This invisible threat present in the bombing debris could become a long-term crisis for Gaza's residents, the effects of which will be felt for years.
Asbestos was widely used for fire protection and insulation in buildings until the 1980s, but it was later banned due to its dangers. Israel completely banned the use of asbestos in its buildings in 2011. But Gaza's refugee camps, which have been targeted during Israeli attacks, still contain asbestos-laden old buildings and makeshift huts.
