this article is an adaptation of my original article, posted on ansuhh.wixsite.com
One year ago, I visited Beirut, Lebanon, to see the site of the explosion. Quite symbolically, the photo I captured conveys a dark truth — we still don’t know what, exactly, happened that day.
This is most exemplified by the graffiti on the highway, in the photo below: My government did this.
Families in Lebanon are still searching for the truth, 3 years later.
The explosion of Beirut’s accidental cargo has killed at least 135 people and injured over 5000. It is said to be the third most powerful explosion in history. Lebanon is currently experiencing political unrest, an economic crisis, famine, a global pandemic, and now has been inflicted by a deadly explosion.
The health repercussions of nitric acid, a product of an ammonium nitrate explosion, are absolutely crippling to the human body. It is highly corrosive to all tissues with which it may come into contact, and inhalation can cause a burning sensation, dry nose and throat, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, headache and difficulty breathing. Long term inhalation can cause chronic respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis. When nitric acid deposits onto the teeth, it can erode the enamel, therefore causing dental erosion. Ingestion of nitric acid can burn the lips, tongue, mouth, stomach and throat.
The blast had an impact of 1100 tons of TNT and a seismic force of a 3.3 magnitude earthquake. Intense shockwaves can be discerned upon viewing the explosion. These shockwaves can have devastating effects on the human body.
A powerful blast wave can damage air-filled organs like the ears, GI tract and the lungs. It can also rupture the eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation), which can result in dizziness, prolonged ringing, or even hearing loss. The lungs can be damaged and subject to bruising, bleeding, or even complete collapse, known as pulmonary contusion.
This explosion will indubitably carry long term health effects for Beirut and its people. Luckily, many countries are providing swift aid to Beirut.
- Cyprus Sends 8 Police Tracking Dogs to Lebanon to help locate survivors that may be buried under rubble.
- United Kingdom is Sending Royal Navy Ship to help rebuild Beirut Port
- Kuwait Sent Medical Aid, stating, “Kuwait expresses great sorrow and pain after the huge explosion that occurred yesterday, which led to the killing and wounding of dozens, in addition to huge material losses.”
- Russia is Sending a Mobile Hospital to Beirut. Hospitals in the city have become overcrowded, and some Beirut hospitals were destroyed by the blast.
Here are ways that you can help Beirut, Lebanon, no matter where you are in the world!
- Help Lebanon (cardd)
- Lebanese Red Cross Donation
- Live Love Beirut
- Donate Food to Lebanese Food Bank
- DaleelThawra (donate blood)
- Urgent Need
- Lebanese Red Cross Blood Service
- Domestic Workers Emergency Relief Fund
- Justice for Lebanese People
- Disaster Relief Fund
- Life Emergency Fund
- International Rescue Committee
- Donate to Doctors Without Borders in Lebanon
Read this article for more insightful information on shockwaves.
