Adverse Health Effects of Chemical Weapons on Civilian Survivors: Challenges and Opportunities

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Extract

Chemical weapons are among the weapons of mass destruction that have caused huge human casualties in the last century. Because of their easy manufacturing and accessibility, and despite international treaties, they remain a serious threat to global security, not just limited to military staff but also to civilian populations and the environment in the short and long term.

Conclusion

CWAs and dual-use chemicals remain a significant threat to global human security, not just limited to battlefields but also to civilian populations and the environment. The current lack of long-term, survivor-focused research continues to hinder the development of effective countermeasures. Clinical studies, particularly those conducted in regions such as Iraqi Kurdistan, Iran and Syria, are essential to bridge critical knowledge gaps. These efforts can improve survivor care, inform policy and legal responses, and contribute to global medical disaster preparedness.

Acknowledgments

The author gratefully acknowledges Dr. Stefanie Bognitz for her valuable comments on the manuscript.