Lack of transparency about oil spill endangers public health
It’s crucial that the government provides adequate access to research data
In recent days, both the Israeli and international media showed horrifying images of dead and blackened sea turtles, birds, and fish washed up on the Israeli seashores. Cause: a large oil spill, most likely due to a leaking ship, which now is damaging approximately 170 km. (40%) of Israel’s coast. Although the first oil was already found on a few beaches on February 17, the event was only briefly mentioned a day later in relation to a dead whale calf, which washed up on the shores just south of Tel Aviv.
A more accurate extent of the disaster became clear during the weekend, after thousands of volunteers spent their first free days after months of lockdowns cleaning the local beaches. However, during these cleaning sessions, several volunteers had to be taken to the hospital with respiratory complaints after inhaling toxic fumes. In reaction, the environmental and health ministries stated it was better for the public to not visit the beaches, while at the same time largely relying on the volunteers and National Park services to clean up the oil spills. The advice seems to have already been disregarded, with people being actively encouraged to enlist in local cleaning activities.
Although the occurrence of the oil spill was known since at least February 17, Israel’s national and local authorities failed to adequately address the disastrous effects that the oil is causing. Most attention is – rightfully so – given to the enormous ecological effects. However, oil spills are also known to form a major public health concern. And these health risks are especially prevalent in individuals who help with the clean-up: a process that is almost always done manually.
We have already seen some of these health effects appear in the volunteers: irritation to the nose, throat and lungs, accompanied by breathing problems and stress. In times where almost the whole world is expert on severe breathing difficulties, oxygen supply and invasive respiratory support, these first respiratory complaints caused by oil may seem minor. However, those are not the only acute effects that have been linked to oil spills. Other problems that may arise almost immediately after exposure include irritation of the skin and eyes, as well as neurological complaints and stress symptoms.
But there is more. Previous research has linked exposure to oil spills, especially in cleaning workers, with a variety of dermal, hematological, respiratory, renal, endocrine, and neurological complaints [source] These effects are mainly caused by direct exposure to chemicals, such as polyphenols and hydrocarbons. But that’s still not all. Crude oil also contains cadmium, mercury and nickel: heavy metals that are known to be carcinogenic in humans, potentially contributing to cancer and other degenerative diseases. Exposure to oil spills – either by breathing, swallowing or touching – could therefore result in substantial burdens of disease, even years after the initial exposure.
NOW, IT’S not that these potential health effects are completely overlooked.
For example, a debate has been opened if the oil pollution could potentially lead to contamination of groundwater supplies and thus our drinking water. Although some say these risks are minimal because of Israel’s desalination plants, it is definitely a possibility that has to be considered, investigated and acted upon. In addition, the National Park authorities recognize the immediate health effects and stated that “Cleaning requires the use of appropriate protective equipment in order to maintain health and orderly evacuation to a suitable site.” They have additionally pressed the public not to visit the beaches recreationally. But the public seems either unaware: many local events for beach clean-ups are being organized and even recreational activities on the beaches are continued as if there is no contamination whatsoever.
And now another problem has arisen: on Monday, the Israeli government officially decided that any information about the oil spill that will emerge through the initiated investigation is considered classified. Thus, making the public as well as environmental organizations blind to the source, characteristics and extent of the disaster. This obscuring of the data directly affects the ability to adequately assess health risks, especially for those on the front lines of the cleaning operations. The evaluation of health effects of oil spills is a complex process, depending on many factors, such as the weathering and composition of the spilled oil, as well as the level of exposure and ongoing release.
HUMAN HEALTH must be a priority in emergency responses after oil spills, especially when relying so much on the population to help minimize the environmental damage. Public health is a responsibility of the authorities – or the national government – and action is needed. So when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: “We must protect our beaches, our country, our environment,” one crucial part got majorly overlooked: our health.
Unfortunately, the current disaster is no unique event. Although described as “Israel’s largest ecological disaster,” the previous largest was only in 2014 when a “technical glitch” led to an oil pipe leak of five million liters of crude oil in the Evrona Nature Reserve, just north of Eilat.
Although currently under prosecution, the pipeline company still holds about 500 km. of oil pipes running through the country, which hypothetically form a risk for another leak.
More immediate, however, is the danger of oil pollution from the FSO Safer, a crippled oil tanker that is currently located in the Ras Issa terminal in Yemenite waters. The ship, built in 1974, currently holds approximately 180 million liters of oil and has since 2015 been slowly decaying after it got banned from leaving the terminal and selling its oil. In December 2020, an international team of scientists and environmentalists have pressed the importance of this ship, which is on the verge of causing a devastating disaster in the Red Sea area.
However, recent attempts to salvage the ship (only at the beginning of this month) have been delayed due to the problematic security status in war-torn Yemen. It is thus not unlikely to think that another oil spill might happen, even soon, and potentially even more devastating to both environment and public health as the current disaster.
What Israel really needs most from its leadership is guidance in dealing with the disaster, assistance with cleaning operations, and especially an openness of data, so each individual that decides to spend their precious free time on a beach, digging through the black puddles of crude oil, is well aware of the potential health risks – specifically related to the current spill. Maintaining this level of adequate public health – balanced between risks and benefits – is a mutual responsibility: of both public and government. Therefore, we need the Israeli government to be open, transparent, and extremely clear about the extent and potential risks, because it really may affect our health directly.
The writer is a Dutch-trained medical doctor with clinical experience working in mental health care, both in clinical and outreaching settings. She currently conducts academic research on post-traumatic stress disorder. Her publications are aimed to spread awareness about public and mental health, as well as promote psychological health in a daily life context.
No day in the Jewish calendar rivals the excitement and anticipation of Purim. Each year, for me anyway, the years just melt away as the day approaches and the wonderful memories of my “magic grogger” (which my uncle promised would destroy all of our enemies as well as obliterate the name of the evil Haman), freshly baked hamentashen and the Curly (of The Three Stooges fame) mask that I wore throughout the day again surface.
The aches and pains brought about by late winter weather vanished from the joints of those who were part of the small synagogue my father and I attended, where an elderly man in the unique accent of Galitzianer Jewry brought the saga of Esther and Mordechai to life. And, oh yes, my sister and I competed to see who was more off key as we sung the Purim ditty “Haint is Purim” to whomever would listen.
This year, needless to say, the activities and festivities of Purim will likely be somewhat constrained, but that should in no way compromise the joy and gladness the festival invites. If anything, the modifications should enhance our appreciation of the day in spite of what is going on throughout the world.
Nonetheless, it’s worth giving some thought to what indeed can be expected in this plague-filled year and how best to enjoy the traditions as well as fulfill the commandments associated with Purim. Here are some examples.
• Megillah under the stars Where the lockdown will be by the time Purim comes around is anybody’s guess, but for those like me, it makes little difference. It will be a while before I’ll be ready to enter into a proper synagogue, so I expect I’ll be hearing the Megillah in one of the street minyanim (prayer quorums) I attend during the week and on Shabbat. And I have no doubt that the thrilling epic of our pre-Gal Gadot Jewish Wonder Woman and her courageous effort to save her people will be no less exhilarating.
Personally, though, the Megillah, has always been something more. It was, and is, an annual reminder that there are Jewish communities throughout the world, and not all of them speak Yiddish or enjoy creamed pickled herring. Having grown up in a landlocked world of Ashkenazim, the story of how Persian Jewry was nearly obliterated brought home the sad fact that antisemitism recognizes no boundaries; a message that comes across loud and clear regardless of where it will be heard.
• Adloyada and costuming Most local communities, I’m sure, will give a thumbs up to the Adloyada (“until one no longer knows”) parades and activities, to some extent anyway. There is little risk, really, particularly since the activities take part, more or less, outdoors. A bit of discipline to
enforce social distancing may be necessary, but that’s a small price to pay to enable children (of all ages) to, well, strut their stuff.
It’s reasonable to assume that the scrubs and other attire worn by our medical front-liners will be honored as the costume of choice. Trouble is, lab coats and stethoscopes are not exactly new or novel as Purim fare; it might be more uplifting if something more imaginative and topical was adapted for the festival. In years past, both local and foreign leaders and politicians promised some creativity,
but frankly, no one currently vying for position in our upcoming elections provides much inspiration. As for those beyond our shores, well, Mr. Trump dealt himself out of the game when he instigated the siege on the Capitol, and it’s too early to decide if a President Joe Biden costume requires the wings of an angel or the horns of a devil.
A sound choice, then, might be to portray Israel’s shining star in world class athletics, Deni Avdija of the NBA. A Washington Wizards uniform emblazoned with the number
9, a plastic basketball, and a simply styled wig is all it takes. The youngster, inspired by this honorific, just may wind up sinking more than his share of three-pointers.
So yes, those manning the corona wards and working overtime to get the vaccines into our bloodstreams deserve unbound accolades, but Purim is the time for smiling and amusement. Deni is a better fit.
ZOOM-ENHANCED SEUDA
For the last 20-something years, my family has been the guests of some very close friends in Beit Shemesh for the Purim feast. This year, I suspect, we’ll be taking a break. Or will we?
The pandemic was introduced just around Purim last year but did not really disrupt the festivities of the day. By the time Passover arrived, though, the virus was in full swing and family Seders were out of the question. In some cases, Zoom technology filled the gap, but only halfheartedly. Observant families were unable to take advantage of remote connections during the holiday, so they had to settle for some symbolic activities during the day. Even though grandparents, via hastily set up computer screens, smiled as they listened to their little ones reciting Mah Nishtana (“Why is this night different?”), shared insights about the text of the Haggadah, and brought the afternoon to a close with a rousing rendition of “Chad Gadya,” it was, well, not the same.
There are, however, no restrictions regarding the use of electricity on Purim, so a festive meal via Zoom, in real time, is not out of the question. And while the technology has not yet reached the point where the stir-fried vegetables can be passed between monitors, it does allow for the sharing of songs, stories and laughter.
Oddly, Zoom very well might have been called upon even if there was no pandemic since the Purim seuda this year takes place on Friday for most of Israel. The meal therefore needs to be held and completed relatively early in the day in order for those who are Shabbat observers to return home and prepare for the day of rest, making travel somewhat troublesome if not chancy. What could be more convenient than enjoying the day with family or friends and not have to fret about flat tires or traffic jams?
And not let’s overlook the advantage of being able to fulfill the requirement of not being able to tell the difference between “Cursed be Haman” and “Blessed be Mordechai” without worrying about making it home safely. I’ve often found that it’s the little things that mean the most.
A distant relative shared with our family his tale of how Purim was observed in the Mannheim concentration camp. Several individuals would take turns recounting what went on in Ahasuerus’s kingdom, stopping now and then to drown out the cursed name of Haman. Bits of potatoes were the mishloach manot that were exchanged between the camp’s inmates, each piece savored not for the taste but for what it represented. And then, despite the harsh, threatening environment in which they were trapped, they smiled and wished each other a freilichen Purim.
Which is my hope for all of Eretz Yisrael.
Indonesia is holding intensive talks with both the Myanmar military and representatives of the ousted elected government in a bid to end a crisis over a February 1 military coup, Indonesia’s foreign minister said on Wednesday.
Indonesia has taken the lead within the Association of South East Asian Nations in efforts to resolve Myanmar’s turmoil. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met Myanmar’s military-appointed foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, for talks in the Thai capital earlier on Wednesday.
The Myanmar army seized power after alleging fraud in a November 8 election swept by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), detaining her and much of the party leadership.
Opponents of the coup have staged days of demonstrations in towns and cities across Myanmar and three protesters and one policeman have been killed in violence.
The Indonesian effort to resolve the crisis has raised suspicion among Myanmar democracy activists who fear dealing with the junta would confer legitimacy on it and its bid to scrap the November election.
They insist the election result should be respected.
Retno, speaking to reporters in Bangkok, said the wellbeing of the people of Myanmar was the number one priority.
“We ask for everybody to use restraint and not resort to violence... to avoid casualties and bloodshed,” Retno said after her talks with the Myanmar minister and her Thai counterpart, Don Pramudwinai.
Retno said she had “intensive” communications with both sides, including ousted lawmakers from the parliament, known as Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. Members of the lawmakers’ group,
the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), were not immediately available for comment.
A Reuters report this week cited sources as saying Indonesia was proposing that ASEAN members send monitors to ensure the generals stick to their promise of fair new elections. That added to suspicion
among some pro-democracy activists that Indonesia’s intervention would undermine their demand that last year’s election must stand.
The military has not given a time frame for the new election it has promised, although it imposed a one-year state of emergency when it seized power.
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Thai embassy in the main city of Yangon with signs reading: “Respect our vote” and “We voted NLD.”
“Our foreign minister is Aung San Suu Kyi,” the protesters chanted, referring to the post she held in the government she led after winning a 2015 election in a landslide.
Retno did not mention the issue of the election but said Indonesia emphasized “the importance of an inclusive democratic transition process.”
“We need a conducive condition ... in the form of dialog, reconciliation, trust building,” she said. “Indonesia will be with the people of Myanmar.”
Retno had been expected to fly to Myanmar earlier on Wednesday but the plan was dropped, her ministry said.
Later, Thailand announced that Wunna Maung Lwin, making the first foreign trip by a member of Myanmar’s new military government, had come to Thailand.
A Thai source said the Myanmar minister also had a meeting scheduled with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Prayuth, a former army chief who seized power in a 2014 coup, declined to confirm that he met the Myanmar minister.
“Some things are not official,” he told reporters.
“We offer support as an ASEAN country that has to cooperate and offer well-wishes that everything works out smoothly.”
Earlier, the Myanmar-based Future Nation Alliance activist group said in a statement a visit to Myanmar by Retno would be “tantamount to recognizing the military junta”.
The group instead demanded foreign officials meet Htin Lin Aung, a member of the CRPH who was the “sole responsible official for foreign relations”.
(Reuters)