Iraq: Toxic Barrels Poison Water, Lives

In rural Iraq, residents like Haider are unknowingly exposing their families to severe health risks by using barrels from oil fields to store drinking water. These barrels, originally intended for chemicals, are often sold after use, with washing proving insufficient to remove dangerous residues that leach into the water.

Environmental activists and health officials warn that prolonged contact with these chemicals can lead to chronic health issues affecting the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, particularly in children. Despite warnings, no clear regulations have been implemented to stop this hazardous trade, leaving communities in Maysan vulnerable.

Beyond contaminated water, oil expansion is devastating local ecosystems and traditional livelihoods. Fishermen like Kazem report dwindling fish stocks and dying buffalo due to pollution and drought, forcing them into low-paying oil field jobs. Residents experience respiratory problems from flaring, while heavy metals exceeding safety standards are found in local water bodies.

Official responses have been limited, with communities receiving no clear protection policies or independent assessments of oil waste. The lack of transparent health and environmental monitoring means there are no official statistics on the victims of company waste, leaving residents feeling ignored and their land poisoned.