Amidst the debris..

The targeting of military storage facilities during the prolonged military
campaigns in and around Aleppo may also have generated localised chemical
hazards as well as UXO. An overview of hazards associated with damage to a
variety of industrial facilities can be found in Figure X.
Looting
The dispersal of chemical pollution because of the looting of former military
and industrial sites is a potential risk in Aleppo, particularly in the area around
Aleppo International Airport.
Exposure to conflict rubble
Damage to properties has generated millions of tonnes of rubble, which can contain
a number of hazardous materials. Asbestos, cement, heavy metals, domestic
chemicals and combustion products may all be present and can have detrimental
effects on the environment and public health if not properly managed. Reports note
the presence of rubble and debris in many areas of Aleppo.
Exposure to toxic munitions constituents
Prolonged heavy fighting has likely resulted in pockets of contamination
with heavy metals from munitions and toxic munitions constituents. Civilians
remaining in or returning to these areas may be at risk of mixed exposures to
munitions residues and pulverised building materials.
The collapse of waste management
After the outbreak of hostilities, government waste collection collapsed in
east and north Aleppo; in other areas, collection resumed in a lower collection
cycle with limited capacity. The absence of a fully functioning waste collection
system resulted in large scale garbage dumping and the outbreak of diseases.
Citizens in some areas resorted to the burning of waste, which prevents the
outbreak of decease and can in some cases prevent contamination. However,
depending on the chemical composition of waste, open pit burning can
generate acrid smoke and allow the dispersal of harmful substances.
PAX ! Amidst the debris...
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