An expert team of United Nations workers have completed their field work for a study of asbestos contamination resulting from recent combat on the Gaza strip. The team of eight experts from the United Nations’ Environment Program spent 10 days in Gaza studying various other environmental issues. In addition to asbestos-related issues, the team studied waste management systems and water quality in the coastal areas. The team is expected to make their recommendations for improving health and environmental issues on the Gaza strip within the coming months.

The experts inspected 32 sites during their 10 day study. These sites included schools, sewage facilities, landfills, and residential areas. Samples were collected for laboratory analysis, and the experts are also planning to prepare an evaluation of the amount of money it will take to repair damage done to the environment. All samples collected will be analyzed within the coming weeks.

Asbestos could pose a serious health risk to soldiers and residents of the Gaza strip. Asbestos is linked to many serious health issues, including pleural mesothelioma.

The study was deemed necessary after a particularly intense bout of fighting beginning in late December of 2008. A three week Israeli offensive against Hamas and other Palestinian groups lead to heavy bombing of the strip, with many buildings now reduced to rubble. Shortly after this bout of fighting was over, United Nations staffers became concerned that the destroyed buildings could pose environmental risks due to airborne asbestos or other pollutants.

During the May field mission, the team conducted two asbestos handling workshops, as well as health and safety practices relating to the demolition of damaged buildings.

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