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UN Warns of Waste Released by Beirut Blast

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - The U.N. Development Program warns a lot of toxic waste,
   potentially dangerous to health and the environment, was discharged
   when 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded at the port of Lebanon's
   capital Beirut nearly two weeks ago.

   U.N. officials say they do not know the magnitude of the problem and
   are assessing the types of debris -- bricks, steel, glass -- unleashed
   by the blast.

   Rekha Das is U.N. Development Program crisis adviser. Speaking on a
   video link from Beirut, she says hazardous waste, medical waste and
   electronic waste also must be taken into account.

   "We have to find out what is dangerous and what is not dangerous, what
   can be recycled and what cannot be recycled," said Das. "And, if it
   cannot be recycled, then where can it be safely disposed. Lebanon
   already had a huge solid waste crisis before the blast. The blast has
   added another massive long-term dimension to this crisis."

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