As rubble removal continues across Gaza, concerns are mounting over airborne dust that may carry asbestos fibers, posing health risks, including asbestosis, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, health officials in Gaza say.
Asbestos, a fibrous material once used in construction for its heat and fire resistance, is now globally classified as a carcinogen. Because of Israel’s intense bombardment of Gaza, and its destruction of an estimated 92 percent of housing units, asbestos has been transformed into airborne dust.
Dr. Shadi Awad, a consultant in pulmonology and bronchoscopy at Al-Shifa Hospital, warns that Gaza residents are inhaling air polluted with smoke and destruction residues daily, posing a direct threat to their health.
“The polluted air enters the airways and directly impacts lung tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and severe respiratory disorders. In the coming years, we may witness a rise in respiratory disease cases due to continuous exposure to these harmful particles,” he told The Electronic Intifada in a phone interview. ….more
