As the fallout from Israel's military campaign in Gaza unfolds, a lesser-known yet deadly risk has emerged—exposure to asbestos. This naturally occurring mineral, once commonly used in construction, releases toxic fibers that, when inhaled, can gradually lead to severe lung diseases, including cancer. While asbestos is banned in many countries today, it remains prevalent in older buildings, particularly in Gaza's eight refugee camps, originally established for those displaced during the 1948 war.
Estimates suggest that up to 2.3 million tons of rubble may be contaminated with asbestos following recent military actions. According to Professor Bill Cookson from London's National Centre for Mesothelioma Research, “The Gaza rubble is a very, very toxic environment,” warning that the health effects will extend far beyond current casualties.
As airborne particles arise from disturbed debris, they can be inhaled, causing conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Alarmingly, even minimal exposure carries a risk of future disease development. The consequences of this exposure may take decades to manifest, especially concerning in a place with 2.1 million residents living in such close quarters.
Dr. Ryan Hoy, who studies dust inhalation, emphasizes the challenge of avoiding asbestos fibers in densely populated areas. Concerns about immediate threats like military violence overshadow awareness of long-term asbestos dangers. Medical professionals in Gaza report that civilians are more focused on survival than potential future health issues.
Previous conflicts revealed asbestos in rubble, and internationally, 68 countries have outlawed its usage. However, the clean-up in Gaza amid the ongoing crisis presents significant challenges, as the United Nations warns of increasing exposure during debris removal efforts.
In a stark comparison, the long-term health impacts observed from toxic dust clouds following the 9/11 attacks in the United States illustrate just how persistent and damaging such exposure can be. The reconstruction of Gaza must be handled cautiously to mitigate health risks associated with asbestos, which may become a slow-burning tragedy in the timeline of conflict recovery.
