Smoke from a suspected white phosphorus strike over Gaza on October 11, 2023. (Credit: Mohammed Adeb/AFP)
BEIRUT — The recent use of white phosphorus bombs by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon has caused numerous wildfires and poses a significant risk to human health, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
White phosphorus bombs are incendiary weapons and their use is allowed against military targets but prohibited against civilians, according to a 1980 Geneva Convention.
The ministry issued recommendations for individuals exposed to the chemical substance.
In its statement, the ministry explained that white phosphorus contamination can occur through direct contact — resulting in skin burns — through inhalation, or by affecting the eyes.
In all cases, first responders must wear special protective gear, move the affected person away from the contamination site as quickly as possible and place contaminated clothing and masks in a double-sealed bag.
If the eyes are affected, one should rinse their eyes with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes, wet compresses should be applied for an extended period, and any oily substances should be avoided to prevent the phosphorus from penetrating deeper into the tissues.
In the case of skin burns, the affected skin area should be kept moist and high-pressure water jets should be directed at the point of contact to remove any white phosphorus residue.
Any visible white phosphorus particles should be removed and submerged in water to reduce their harmful effects on the rescuer.
Finally, in the event of white phosphorus inhalation, the victim's breathing and pulse should be monitored and airways should be kept clear. If breathing difficulties occur, the victim should be connected to an oxygen machine and artificial respiration should be administered, using protective gear.
At the end of October, Lebanon tasked its mission to the United Nations with filing a complaint against Israel, accusing it of using white phosphorus in its strikes on South Lebanon.
Since the escalation of the conflict, Lebanese officials and NGOs, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have accused Israel of using white phosphorus.
More than 4.5 million square meters of forest have been lost in southern Lebanon since Oct. 8 due to Israeli bombings.
