Recorded presentation

Barry S. Levy, MD, MPH, Adjunct Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine, P. O. Box 1230, Sherborn, MA 01770, 508-650-1039, blevy@igc.org

War and the preparation for war have many adverse effects on the environment. Conventional weapons, consisting of explosives, incendiaries, and guns of various sizes, have led to damage and sometimes devastation of urban and rural environments in many wars, including the carpet bombing of cities in World War II, the destruction of mangrove forest in the Vietnam War, and the Kuwait oil fires in Gulf War I. Nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons pose special risks to the environment. More than 100 million antipersonnel landmines have been deployed and have limited access to many environments. Hazardous wastes from military operations also represent potential contaminants of the air, water, and soil. By engaging in surveillance and documentation of these impacts, education and information dissemination, and advocacy, public health professions can minimize these impacts of war and the preparation for war on the environment, and work to prevent war itself.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will be able to list and describe the environmental aspects of war.
• Attendees will be able to list and describe measures to minimize the environment impacts of war and the preparation for war.

Keywords: War, Environment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation