Radiation warning from CHP's Şahbaz: 'A new disaster is at the door'

Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Chair for Health Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz has issued a warning that the US attack on nuclear facilities in Iran could pose health risks for Turkey.

Drawing attention to the risk of ionizing radiation and toxic chemical spread following the attacks, Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz stated, "An attack on nuclear facilities is a public health disaster. Following the attack on nuclear facilities in Iran, the International Atomic Energy Agency has announced that nuclear leaks have occurred. These developments carry the risk of turning into a multi-dimensional public health crisis that threatens not only the people of Iran but the entire region and Turkey as well."

'URGENT MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN'

Warning that "we are on the brink of a new disaster," Şahbaz listed the measures that should be taken against the potential danger as follows:

• Urgent measures must be taken against radiation risks, especially in our provinces such as Van, Hakkari, Ağrı, Ardahan, Iğdır, and Kars.
• Along with ecological destruction, contaminated food and water sources directly threaten public health. The accumulation of radiation in agricultural and animal products causes the disruption of the food chain and the loss of food security.
• With the contributions of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the International Atomic Energy Agency, health and environmental impacts in Iran and along the regional borders must be monitored, and transparent reporting must be conducted.
• In regions under radiation risk, the evacuation of the public, the distribution of potassium iodide, and the security of health services must be ensured.

Calling on the Ministry of Health, AFAD, and relevant institutions, Şahbaz requested that urgent analysis and inspections of agricultural products and water sources be initiated and that the public be informed on this matter. She emphasized that radiation monitoring systems should be strengthened and public health inspections increased in border provinces.

Stating, "As the CHP, we remind everyone that the protection of civilians is an international responsibility," Şahbaz invited all political actors, scientists, academics, health professional organizations, and citizens who stand for peace and the right to life to raise a common voice against war, nuclear armament, and the targeting of nuclear facilities in our region.