2006 Ivory Coast toxic waste dump

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The 2006 Ivory Coast toxic waste dump was a major environmental disaster that occurred in Abidjan, the largest city in Ivory Coast, in August 2006. The incident involved the illegal dumping of toxic waste by the ship Probo Koala, which was chartered by the multinational company Trafigura.

Background

In early 2006, the Probo Koala attempted to offload its waste in several European ports, including Amsterdam, but was denied due to the hazardous nature of the waste. The ship eventually sailed to Abidjan, where the waste was offloaded and dumped at various sites around the city.

The Dumping Incident

The toxic waste, which contained a mixture of caustic soda and hydrogen sulfide, was dumped at 18 locations around Abidjan. The waste caused severe health problems among the local population, including respiratory issues, skin burns, and gastrointestinal problems. The incident led to the deaths of 17 people and affected over 30,000 residents.

Health and Environmental Impact

The dumping of the toxic waste had a profound impact on the health of the residents of Abidjan. Hospitals and clinics were overwhelmed with patients suffering from symptoms related to exposure to the toxic substances. The environmental impact was also significant, with contamination of soil and water sources in the affected areas.

Legal and Political Repercussions

The incident led to widespread public outrage and political fallout in Ivory Coast. The Ivorian government resigned in the wake of the scandal, and several officials were arrested. Trafigura faced legal action in multiple countries and eventually agreed to a settlement with the Ivorian government, although the company denied any wrongdoing.

Aftermath and Cleanup

The cleanup of the toxic waste sites was a complex and lengthy process. International organizations, including the United Nations, were involved in the efforts to decontaminate the affected areas. The incident highlighted the need for stricter regulations on the disposal of hazardous waste and greater accountability for multinational corporations.

See also

• Environmental disaster
• Trafigura
• Probo Koala
• Ivory Coast