Breathing Life into Rights: Tackling Air Pollution in Iraq through Environmental Regulation and Health Protection

Polluted Atmosphere in Iraq: A Catalyst for Cancer and Strokes

The air in Iraq is heavily polluted, posing significant health risks such as cancer and strokes, as Iraqis breathe in harmful metals. This pollution is largely attributed to generators, car exhausts, and oil extraction activities.

As a country rich in oil, Iraq's economy heavily depends on daily oil extraction and refining operations from its national oil fields. These activities significantly contribute to the emission of dangerous gases into the atmosphere, exacerbating pollution levels.

An oil expert explains that the Iraqi atmosphere is contaminated with gases resulting from oil extraction, refining processes, and the combustion of associated gas in oil refineries. This issue has worsened over time, and successive Iraqi governments have yet to find a comprehensive solution. The most hazardous gases polluting the Iraqi air include carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, produced by various combustion activities across the country. Oil-rich regions and cities, such as Basra Governorate, are the most affected, with serious diseases like cancer and respiratory illnesses becoming increasingly common.

Health Impacts: Tumors and Strokes

Environmental researchers confirm that air pollution from toxic gases and dangerous particles primarily stems from the combustion of associated gas in oil refineries, alongside fuel combustion in vehicles and private generators. The situation is aggravated by increasing desertification and the reduction of green spaces, which decrease atmospheric oxygen levels and increase the concentration of harmful gases, particularly carbon dioxide.

The widespread occurrence of strokes, heart attacks, severe respiratory diseases, pneumonia, and cancerous tumors is directly linked to air pollution. Citizens are inhaling unclean air contaminated with highly toxic gases. Biologist Amer Al-Sayed highlights that the air in Iraq is severely polluted with dangerous gases emitted by oil refineries, vehicle exhausts, and private generators using low-quality fuel. The problem worsens as desertification increases.

The prevalence of cancerous tumors, complex degenerative diseases, and the rise in strokes and heart attacks, along with the emergence of previously unknown diseases, are attributed to air pollution. The atmosphere lacks pure oxygen, leading to overcrowded medical clinics filled with patients of all ages.

Insights from American Studies

The absence of government statistics on pollution levels and related diseases compounds the problem. However, an international report by American researchers at the Center for the Study of War in New York reveals that dust in Iraq contains 37 types of minerals that pose serious risks to life and the environment.

Iraqi researchers, including air pollution expert Maher Al-Daraji, confirm the severity of this report, illustrating the tragedy Iraqis face as they inhale air laden with hazardous minerals. This explains the rise in serious diseases and their widespread occurrence among the populace. Al-Daraji notes that drought, desertification, and waste accumulation, turning into massive landfills filled with bacteria, germs, and viruses, are periodically burned, releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere. This pollution results in dangerous gases entering citizens' lungs, accumulating in their bodies, and manifesting as cancers or severe diseases.

Statistics show that Baghdad's population has reached approximately 10 million, with similar population pressures in other governorates due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of environmental awareness, increasing drought and desertification around cities, and the proliferation of landfills in residential areas, all of which elevate pollution levels.

Experts also point out the significant increase in the number of vehicles on Iraq's roads, which burn large quantities of fuel continuously, releasing substantial amounts of gases into the atmosphere.

The Proliferation of Bacteria

A researcher specializing in bacteriology, fungi, and toxic gases reports that there are 147 different types of bacteria and fungi in the Iraqi environment. These have proliferated due to drought, air pollution, waste accumulation, and the spread of polluting gases in the atmosphere.

Human Rights and Rule of Law Perspectives

From a human rights perspective, the right to a healthy environment is fundamental and interconnected with the right to health. The current state of air pollution in Iraq infringes upon these rights, as citizens are exposed to life-threatening conditions without adequate governmental protection or intervention.

Suggested Solutions

1. Strengthening Environmental Regulations:

- Implement strict environmental regulations to control emissions from oil extraction, refineries, and vehicles.

- Establish a legal framework that mandates regular environmental impact assessments and enforces compliance with international standards.

2. Enhancing Public Health Measures:

- Develop public health campaigns to raise awareness of the health risks associated with air pollution and promote preventive measures.

- Increase funding for healthcare facilities to better manage pollution-related health issues and provide necessary treatments.

3. Promoting Sustainable Practices:

- Encourage the use of cleaner technologies and renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

- Invest in reforestation and the expansion of green spaces to combat desertification and improve air quality.

4. International Collaboration:

- Collaborate with international organizations, such as the United Nations, to develop and implement comprehensive environmental strategies.

- Seek technical and financial assistance for pollution control projects and capacity-building initiatives.

5. Improving Infrastructure and Urban Planning:

- Upgrade infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve waste management systems.

- Implement urban planning strategies that prioritize environmental sustainability and public health.