Health in War: Environmental Health - Sanitary Disposal of Waste

Background and Aim: Background and Aim: Sanitary disposal of solid waste (trash) and liquid (sewage) is difficult and costly under normal conditions and it is obvious that in special conditions of war zones, sanitary disposal of waste and sewage is much more difficult. Sanitary disposal of waste under any circumstances is necessary and unavoidable to prevent the spread of infection as well as preventing the creation of a source for the growth and development of insects and rodents. During the imposed war, when the conditions for the presence of a large population of warriors on the battlefields were provided and their lives were determined in desert and combat conditions, the creation of waste, including ordinary waste and sewage, was inevitable and the need to control waste and dispose of it hygienically was vital. Therefore, considering the importance of the issue in terms of health criteria and standards, as well as the basic principles of disease control and prevention, especially in special conditions on the battlefield, the present study examines the measures taken and explains the experiences gained in this important matter.
Methods: In order to conduct this research, in addition to a literature review and searching scientific databases inside and outside the country, oral interviews were conducted with the staff and health officials of the holy defense era.
Results: Of the four known and common methods for sanitary disposal of waste, regardless of the type of waste, the method of the sanitary landfill has been used as the only method applicable in critical war conditions during the holy defense.
Conclusion: The measures used in the eight-year period of the Holy Defense, including health training and sanitary disposal of solid and liquid wastes in various lines of the battlefield, have played an important role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In addition, the widespread use of chemical weapons by the enemy had left contaminated waste that was first experienced during the imposed war, and from this point of view provided valuable experience for all relevant organizations and future health professionals in the country.