The destructive military actions in Gaza have inadvertently unleashed a silent killer: asbestos. Once a common component in construction materials, asbestos can release toxic fibers into the air when damaged, leading to severe health risks including lung cancer over many years. Despite its ban in numerous countries, asbestos remains prevalent in older structures, particularly roofing materials in Gaza's urban refugee camps that were established for Palestinians displaced since the 1948-49 Arab-Israeli conflict, as highlighted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In a sobering analysis from October 2024, UNEP indicated that around 2.3 million tons of debris in Gaza could be laced with asbestos. Professor Bill Cookson, director of Mesothelioma Research in London, emphasized the serious toxic nature of the debris, foreseeing both immediate and lasting health implications, particularly for children who may carry the effects throughout their lives.
As airstrikes disturb asbestos-containing materials, the minuscule fibers can become airborne, penetrating the lungs and potentially leading to conditions such as asbestosis and the aggressive cancer mesothelioma. Professor Cookson warns that exposure does not require high levels of inhalation as even minimal contact can result in later onset illnesses. The latency period for these diseases is significant, often manifesting 20 to 60 years later, indicating a looming health crisis for Gaza's population.
Dr. Ryan Hoy noted the difficulty of avoiding exposure to airborne asbestos particles due to their small size, compounded in Gaza's dense population, which limits protective measures. Many in Gaza are preoccupied with immediate dangers from persistent military conflict and survival necessities, leading to minimal concern for long-term asbestos exposure. Concerns from health organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières reflect this grim reality, stating that residents are primarily focused on survival rather than the hidden threats posed by the dust and debris in their environment.
A previous UN survey after the 2009 conflict found widespread asbestos contamination in debris from older structures. Asbestos types vary in danger level; with "blue," or crocidolite, recognized as the most harmful, traces have been identified in Gaza by UN health assessments. Globally, around 68 nations have prohibited asbestos, with bans implemented in Israel for building materials since 2011.
In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is linked to other cancer forms and respiratory diseases. Dr. Hoy indicated that the extensive dust from destruction could result in increased risks for various pulmonary conditions, drawing comparisons to health impacts observed after the 9/11 attacks in New York—a scenario viewed by experts as relatively easier to assess due to its less chaotic environment.
Continuing discussions involving reconstruction efforts in Gaza center on the critical need for careful debris management to avoid further disturbing asbestos-laden rubble. Unfortunately, this might take years and significant funding, estimated by UNEP to be over $1 billion, to clear properly. Meanwhile, the loss of life from the ongoing conflict continues to mount, with reports of over 53,000 Palestinians—predominantly civilians—having perished in the violence since late 2023. The impacts of this crisis reach beyond immediate casualties, threatening future generations through the long-term health effects of asbestos exposure amidst ongoing conflict.
