Iraq-Iran chemical war: calendar, mortality and morbidity

Abstract

Objectives: To review the calendar, mortality and morbidity of Iraq-Iran chemical war among Iranians based on researchers’ reports. Methods: We used national and international databanks such as PubMed, ISI, Scopus, Irandoc and Iranmedex and studied 350 articles related to chemical agents and their effects on different organs. The main criteria for qualification of articles were relevancy orientation and being published in approved medical journals. Results: The Iraqi army invaded to west and southwest Iran using chemical weapons such as nerve agents (NAs) and sulfur mustard (SM). Most victims were civilians including women and children. These attacks had imposed more than 150 types of diseases and complications on Iranians and the frequency of death was 2%-3%. Most reports were about respiratory problems and a few were in the domain of socio-economic damages. Conclusion: At present, 25 years after the end of war, the victims are faced with different complications induced by chemical agents and it is estimated that they will be continuously troubled by these problems in future. Key words: Chemical warfare; Wounds and injuries; Iran; Iraq