Threat to health and environment: How munitions poison soil and water in Ukraine
Remains of a Russian missile on a farm in the Donetsk region (Getty Images)
From bombarded chemical plants to forest fires — the consequences of the war will be felt not only by Ukraine's ecosystem but also by its people. Heavy metals from munitions are causing significant damage, particularly to soil and water.
This was discussed by Olena Kramarenko, the First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
"The substances contained in munitions have a very negative impact on the environment in Ukraine," Kramarenko says.
"Heavy metals such as mercury and lead are part of the compounds used to detonate explosives. The quantitatively most important compounds in conventional munitions are explosives like TNT, octogen, sulfur, hexogen, and tetryl. All of them pose a threat to human health," she explains.
The deputy minister provides an example: mines severely damage the soil. Fragments of munitions release heavy metals into the environment, including chromium, zinc, iron, copper, and mercury.
"The greatest harm is caused by missiles. Their fuel contaminates soil and water, provoking chemical pollution of the environment. Fires lead to air emissions, and atmospheric pollution, and also destroy the fertile layer of our land. Substances can enter underground water, contaminating wells, boreholes, and rivers. I believe that we and our environment will feel the effects of these substances for many years," she says.
Regarding waste from destroyed buildings, only those parts of the ruins that contain asbestos or quartz pose a danger.
In general, such waste can be placed in specially designated areas for sorting, according to the Ministry of Environment.
After the removal of hazardous elements, these materials can be used for restoration works, filling damaged roads, or producing building materials.
"However, the issue of creating such sites and removing such waste is complicated by the fact that de-occupied territories are under fire, and combat operations are ongoing along the line of contact," Kramarenko observes.
Due to global climate change, warming in Ukraine is associated with dwindling rivers, abnormally warm winters, and dry summers. Greenhouse gas emissions from the war are also having an impact.
