How Gaza's war smoke affects climate and health

Weather of Arabia - Wars are one of the events that have the most impact on humanity, and on the entire planet Earth. They are not limited to the direct destruction of property and the loss of lives, but they leave their dire effects on the environment and public health as well. In this context, we enter a complex world where conflict, climate and health converge. The smoke The result of wars, such as in Gaza and other troubled areas, represents a dark side that we must recognize and understand better.

War smoke is one of the few forgotten aspects when discussing the effects of armed conflict. The spotlight is often on violent explosions and humanitarian crises, but the environmental and health aspects of this tragic phenomenon are rarely focused on. This article will shed light on how war smoke affects Gaza, and how it can This has a devastating impact on the environment and public health both locally and globally, and we will also take a look at its health impact on populations, focusing on the health problems caused by these extreme environmental conditions.

The aim of this article is to raise awareness of this important issue and highlight the urgent need to think about sustainable solutions to reduce the impacts of armed conflicts on climate and health.

The three main threats of war smoke

Effect of fine particles

Smoke resulting from wars is a major source of fine particles , which are considered one of the most serious threats to health. These particles consist of very small solid and liquid particles that are suspended in the air and cannot be seen with the naked eye. These particles are characterized by their ability to penetrate the eyes and reach easily through the respiratory passages to collect in the Deep into the lungs, these particles can trigger asthma attacks, increase the possibility of heart and brain attacks, and increase the risk of death.

Effect of carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide gas is one of the secondary threats associated with war smoke. This gas is colorless and odorless, and its concentration reaches high during combustion and close proximity. Inhaling carbon monoxide reduces the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to its organs, causing symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness. If the concentration of the gas is high, it can have serious effects, even increasing the risk of premature death.

Effect of nitrogen oxide

Nitrogen oxide gas, which is reddish-brown in color and has a foul odor, is another threat associated with smoke resulting from wars. Research has shown that this gas can provoke bronchitis, increase the severity of coughing, wheezing, and asthma attacks. In addition, it can cause deterioration. Lung function and increased risk of cardiovascular events, increasing the likelihood of admission to the emergency department.

The climate crisis and drought in Gaza... increasing environmental challenges

Abeer Al-Batmeh, director of the Palestinian Environmental Organizations Network, confirmed that the ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip combine them with the effects of the global climate crisis and drought, which increases the complexities of confronting climate change and results in serious environmental consequences in the long term.

These statements came during an interview conducted by Anadolu Agency with Abeer Al-Batmeh in Istanbul. The interview dealt with the ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip for three weeks and their impact on efforts to confront climate change in Gaza.

As the attacks that began on October 7 continue, Gaza has been subjected to massive destruction, highlighting the environmental crisis and public health impacts in the region. Gazans who have suffered the effects of climate change for several years have faced difficulties accessing water sources due to repeated attacks.

Batma noted that the accumulation and impact of crises in Palestine are not limited to the climate crisis alone, but rather are two political and environmental crises that overlap. When climate change coincides with attacks, this has a major impact on agricultural lands.

She pointed out that agricultural lands are drying up as a result of the lack of water needed to irrigate the planted crops, which forces people to stop cultivating their lands. As a result, wheat production witnessed a 10% decline between 2010 and 2020.

Batala stressed that the recent attacks will have a serious environmental impact in the long term, as they will affect the soil, water, marine environment and air, and will have a negative impact on human health.

She explained that water has been cut off and the drinking water resources in the Gaza Strip have been depleted, forcing people to rely on salt water to drink.

She concluded by saying that it is difficult to combat the effects of climate change as long as there are restrictions imposed on water resources, and that the Palestinian people are striving to find innovative solutions to adapt to climate change and they have the right to benefit from their own water resources.

What are the most prominent health risks associated with smoke in Gaza?

If a person is exposed to sufficient amounts of smoke in the air around him, it may result in a group of immediate symptoms that include:

• Headache
• Breathing difficulty
• Wheezing in the chest
• Cough
• Irritation of the nose and throat
• Runny nose
• Burning and itching in the eyes
• Sinus irritation
• Asthma attacks
• Chest pain
• Increase in heart rate
• Tired
• Vertigo

Groups most vulnerable to health risks resulting from smoke

Regardless of age and smoke concentrations, the groups remain most vulnerable to health risks as a result of smoke, and they are represented by the following:

• the elderly
• pregnant women
• Young children
• Cardiovascular patients
• Respiratory patients
• Diabetics
• Long Covid patients

Instructions for protection from smoke hazards

To protect against the harmful effects of smoke, it is best to follow the following guidelines:

• Stay informed Follow news and reports, especially those related to air quality and smoke-related health warnings.
• Staying indoors If conditions warrant it, try to stay indoors and close windows and doors to prevent smoke from entering.
• Ventilate with caution If conditions permit, open windows for brief ventilation; And then close it again.
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations: If you suffer from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular or lung diseases, follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding taking medications and taking care of your health.

Also know:

On the International Day for Preventing the Use of the Environment in Wars and Conflicts, the environment is an undeclared victim of wars

Psychological first aid for the people of Gaza... How to provide psychological support to people who have been exposed to wars

Sources:

aa.com

euronews

syria.tv

Photo source:

bbc