Greenpeace warns of toxic risks to two million in Lebanon

Source: AFP, 5-10-2006
BEIRUT - Two million residents of Lebanon, about half the population, could face health risks posed by toxic releases from "Israeli" bombing in the July-August war, Greenpeace warned.
"Chemical traces and dust from buildings that were destroyed have heavily contaminated the air and land," said the environmental pressure group Greenpeace in a report presented in Beirut on its flagship Rainbow Warrior.
"In addition, bombed out factories have caused chemical releases that could potentially affect two million inhabitants in the country," it said, noting 30,000 homes, some 80 bridges and nine industrial facilities were destroyed.
Almost 1,200 civilians were killed in Lebanon during "Israel's" July-August war against Lebanon.
Greenpeace said "Israel's" attacks on Jiyeh power plant south of the Lebanese capital had spilled between 10,000 and 15,000 tonnes of fuel into the sea, affecting 150 kilometres (90 miles) of Lebanon`s coastline and part of Syria.
But it quoted the European Commission as saying: "Virtually all free oil at sea or harbours and marinas has now been recovered, leaving only very small quantities at sea.
"The oil spill is therefore not expected to spread further."
Greenpeace called for a comprehensive post-war damage assessment across the region. "Environmental recovery must be a priority of any post-conflict reconstruction strategy," it said.
The Rainbow Warrior, with divers on board, carried out three weeks mapping the extent of the underwater fuel oil contamination and collected samples for scientific analysis.