Beirut turns into cancer hotspot as Lebanon fails to curb use of diesel generators

Following the economic collapse of 2019, most cities in Lebanon are powered by more than 8,000 diesel generators. And now, an ‘alarming’ study has linked the rising air pollution in the cities to the increasing cancer rates among the general population. Owing to the massive pollution, it has become commonplace for Beirut residents to deal with thick clouds of smog, always hanging over the skyline.

The research, conducted by scientists at the American University of Beirut (AUB), found that the risk of developing cancer in the capital city has increased by two times over the past five years. “The results are alarming,” says Najat Saliba, an atmospheric chemist who led the study.

Level of pollution

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According to the data collected by the AUB researchers, pollution in Beirut has doubled since 2017. The PM2.5 level generally hovers around 60 micrograms a cubic metre, four times what the World Health Organization recommends for healthy breathing.

Risk of developing cancer

The researchers add that the relation between the increasing pollution and cancer rates is quite obvious.

“We calculate the cancer risk based on the carcinogen materials emitted from diesel generators, some of which are classified as category 1A carcinogens,” said Najat.

As per estimates, cancer rates in the city have been rising 30 per cent annually since 2020, with patients getting younger and more aggressive.

The money problem

Hani Nassar, who runs a cancer support organisation in the country, says money is also a major problem for cancer patients. The $6,000/month medication for a society where most individuals earn $150 is a back-breaking affair.

“We have a lot of cancer patients who have not even begun any treatment,” says Hani. “They just end up saying, ‘OK, I will die – I don’t want to deprive my family of our house, our car, etc., just to pay for this’,” he adds.

A 2023 Human Rights Watch report said that the government of Lebanon has failed to implement reforms in the electricity sector and adopted policies that increased the nation’s reliance on oil.

“Diesel importers exert great influence, primarily because of the overlap between the shareholders of these companies and the political establishment,” the report highlighted.

(With inputs from agencies)