The great danger awaiting Hatay: "Hatay will be associated with cancer in 15-20 years"

Kübra KARASU - 12punto.com.tr

Dr. Ali Kanatlı from the Hatay Medical Chamber's Honorary Board issued a cancer warning in his statements to 12punto.com.tr. Kanatlı pointed out that the heavy metals spreading from the debris following the February 6 Maraş earthquakes in Hatay could cause the province to be associated with cancer risk in the future.

THE CHERNOBYL EXAMPLE

When asked whether the heavy metals spreading with the debris would lead to cancer risk in the long term, similar to the Chernobyl disaster, Kanatlı replied, "Unfortunately, Hatay will also be associated with cancer in 15-20 years." Dr. Kanatlı said the following regarding the effects of heavy metals on the people of Hatay:

"As the Turkish Medical Association, we conducted a study together with the Clean Air Right platform. By measuring the air, we saw that the World Health Organization's PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter values exceeded 4 times the limit for 20 days during a 30-day measurement period. In two examinations conducted by the Istanbul and Ankara Chambers of Environmental Engineers in April and September, we detected asbestos in half of the samples. The acute effects of these in the initial period are allergic reactions, conjunctivitis, asthma, and exacerbations of COPD. In the long term, they cause lung lining cancer and abdominal lining cancer."

Kanatlı finally stated the following:

"As a result of the careless behavior of demolition companies, the underground sewage system and water system burst, leading to contamination. In one or two tests we conducted, we already saw that the bacteria harmful to humans found in the sewage were high. Therefore, we asked people to drink bottled water so they would not contract diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid, and we kept this under control throughout the summer," he said.