The war in Gaza worsens health risks linked to biomass use

During the Gaza war between 2023 and 2025, the lack of access to safe energy sources pushed many residents to use biomass fuels for cooking and heating. This practice, already widespread in crisis areas, has led to a alarming increase in health problems, particularly respiratory issues. A survey of 130 household heads revealed that coal, wood, olive residues, and even mixtures of wood, cardboard, and plastic were commonly burned, often several times a day and for long hours.

The findings show that nearly 94% of participants suffered from coughing with phlegm, while over 90% reported nasal congestion, dizziness, or injuries related to handling fuel. Headaches, shortness of breath, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia were also common, affecting more than half of those surveyed. The worst effects were observed in those burning olive residues or mixtures containing plastic. For example, the use of olive residues quadrupled the risk of chest wheezing and pneumonia. Mixtures of wood, cardboard, and plastic, on the other hand, significantly increased the risks of shortness of breath and wheezing.

The duration of exposure also plays a key role. Burning biomass for two hours or more per day multiplied the risk of chest wheezing by 24 and the risk of burns by 5.5. The location of combustion also affects health: burning fuel outdoors or both indoors and outdoors significantly increased the risks of shortness of breath, wheezing, and pneumonia. Injuries were also more frequent under these conditions, with a 17-fold increased risk for those burning fuel both indoors and outdoors.

This situation is explained by the precarious living conditions during the conflict. Shortages of gas, electricity, and other fuels forced residents to turn to makeshift solutions, often in poorly ventilated shelters. Burning materials like plastic or cardboard releases fine particles and toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide or dioxins, which worsen respiratory problems. In an environment already polluted by destruction and dust, these emissions add an additional toxic burden.

The consequences are severe: the observed symptoms far exceed those reported in more stable contexts. For example, the prevalence of coughing and wheezing is much higher than that recorded in Bangladesh or Vietnam in similar studies. This is explained by the accumulation of risk factors: overcrowding, prolonged exposure to toxic emissions, damaged shelter structures, and insufficient ventilation.

This study highlights a vicious cycle where war limits access to clean energy, forcing populations to adopt dangerous practices, which further worsens their health. The findings underscore the urgency of action to provide safer cooking technologies and reduce exposure to indoor pollution, especially in conflict zones where precarious living conditions amplify risks.

Information Sources

Original Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-02133-4

Title: Biomass use and its health effects among a sample of the Palestinian community during the war 2023–2025

Journal: Discover Public Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Maher Elbayoumi; Nour Eldin Elbayoumi; Heba Mohammed Arafat; Ohood Mohammed Shamallakh; Ahmed Hassan Albelbeisi; Edris Kakemam