Al-Mishraq

Al-Mishraq is a state run sulfur plant near Mosul, Iraq. In June 2003, it was the site of the largest human-made release of sulfur dioxide ever recorded when a fire (thought to have been deliberately started) gained control and burned for about three weeks.[1]

At its height, the fire was putting 21,000 tons of sulfur dioxide a day into the atmosphere. The pollution in Mosul, which is about 45 kilometres from Mishraq, reached a catastrophic level. For over 48 hours the white smoke from sulfur dioxide could be seen in the air. Many people were taken into hospitals and most vegetation was killed.

On 22 October 2016 the plant was set alight by ISIL militants as part of the Battle of Mosul. Two civilians died and nearly 1,000 people were treated for toxic gas inhalation.[2] Shifting winds sent the gas to Qayyarah Airfield West, where U.S. and coalition forces were forced to use gas masks.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Iraq sulphur fire breaks records". BBC Online. 26 October 2004. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  2. ↑ "Mosul battle: Hundreds treated over toxic fumes in Iraq". BBC News. 22 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  3. ↑ "The Latest: Abadi: Kirkuk Nearly Secured After IS Attack". ABC News. 22 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.

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