Environmental Impact of Warfare - War leaves a geological mark, creating a historical and environmental time capsule, exemplified by the battle of Iwo Jima [2][3][4] - Battlefields become long-term pollution sites, impacting communities with contaminated soils and water, leading to environmental injustice [24] - Military activities are significant polluters, yet the environmental cost of warfare is often overlooked in discussions about climate change and sustainability [25][26] - Pollution from the 20th century continues to affect ecosystems and human health in the 21st and will continue into the 22nd century [25] Heavy Metal Contamination on Iwo Jima - Approximately 273 tons of lead were deposited on Iwo Jima during five months and 36 days of battle [12] - About 30%, or 90 tons, of the 273 tons of lead were deposited specifically on Invasion Beach [13] - After 80 years of environmental impact, nearly 19 tons, or 21%, of the 90 tons of lead is predicted to remain on Invasion Beach [15] - Predictive contamination model estimates 155 milligrams of lead per kilogram of soil across Invasion Beach, closely aligning with unpublished sample averages of 147 milligrams per kilogram of soil [15][17] - The lead contamination prediction model can be used for other heavy metals, such as mercury, across war-impacted environments [18][19] Safety Thresholds and Environmental Consequences - World Health Organization (WHO) lead limits are at 100 milligrams per kilogram, while California recognizes 80 milligrams per kilogram as the level when lead begins to decay human cells [20][21] - US EPA limits are at 400 milligrams per kilogram in residential zones, including agricultural soils and playgrounds, which is far above when lead begins to harm humans [21] - Bombardments stripped away natural vegetation, leaving a toxic legacy of heavy metals that inhibit plant growth and soil health [22] - Marine life near the coast struggles with bioaccumulation of heavy metals, and vegetation struggles to regrow in and around impact zones [23] Recommendations - Policymakers must recognize war as not just a geopolitical crisis but an environmental one [28] - Focus on educating veterans and civilians about contamination risks and holding militaries accountable [28]