A Rapid Overview of Environmental and Health Risks Related to Chemical Hazards in the Mosul Humanitarian Response
Publisher: UNEP and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Date: 2016
Topics: Extractive Resources, Humanitarian Assistance, Weapons, Waste, and Pollution
Countries: Iraq
This report provides a rapid, not fully exhaustive, overview of the chemical hazards related to ongoing military operations that aim to retake the city of Mosul in Iraq from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The report is primarily targeted at humanitarian responders and clusters on the ground for consideration and advice in operational decision-making. The analysis focuses on events involving the release of chemical substances, most notably the burning of oil wells and the fire at the Al-Mishraq Sulphur mining and processing complex. The report provides an overview of the major expected short- and long-term environmental and health impacts associated with the recent events and needs to be followed up with a more detailed assessment of implications on health, environment and livelihoods.