Greenpeace Warns of Toxic Risks to Two Million in Lebanon

[tex-wyo-dem]

Published on October 6, 2006 by the Agence France Presse

Greenpeace Warns of Toxic Risks to Two Million in Lebanon

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 the July-August war between Israel and the Shiite militant group Hezbollah.

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http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1006-06.htm