Gases produced by oil refineries in Al-Hasakah and Deir Ezzor pose threat to the safety of civilians

Areas in Al-Hasakah and Deir Ezzor countryside, including Rumaylan area which is located to Al-Qamishli city, Al-Ya’rabiyah and Al-Shaddadi, host several refineries used for refining crude oil. Those constructions produce toxic gases and bad smells, which causes chest diseases and respiratory diseases to civilians in nearby residential complexes.

 

SOHR sources have reported that the owners of those refineries hire oil wells in this area for large sums of money reach 50,000 USD. Accordingly, they can refine crude oil and produce diesel, which enables them to make large profits. However, civilians living near refineries and wells are affected directly by the gases produced during the refining process with many having had cancer and other respiratory diseases.

 

According to residents in Rumaylan area, many civilians have filed complaints to security authorities affiliated to the Autonomous Administration against the owners of those refineries, demanding the removing them to remote areas, but to no avail.

 

Speaking to SOHR, a doctor from that area have confirmed that the diseases which have spread among civilians are cause by the smells and gases produced from these refineries, as the produced smoke is very harmful to the health of human in general, and it affects respiratory system in particular. In addition, the produced smoke and gases affect the environment and damage plants in nearby farms.

 

It is worth noting that most of the areas controlled by Syria Democratic Forces and the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria experience deteriorating living conditions and poor healthcare in light of the lack of suspension provided by relevant authorities and organisations operating in these areas.