A/HRC/5/5 page 11 although the herbicides used to destroy drug crops in an area affected by armed conflict use the same toxic ingredient as that used by commercially available herbicides, the concentration of this active ingredient varies from 1 per cent in herbicides used in agriculture to 26 per cent for those used to destroy drug crops, making it much more toxic.29 21. A final issue of concern is that of war debris. War debris can be a major source of discharge of toxic or dangerous products into the environment. Debris can present a risk because of the numerous toxic and dangerous products which are to be found in building materials or, as mentioned above, on industrial sites. Ash is of particular concern; fires often occur following an attack and if the burning debris contains toxic products, for example paint, solvents or plastic products, it is likely that the ash will be contaminated. If this ash is not disposed of in an appropriate manner it can result in the contamination of the environment surrounding the disposal site, and could potentially adversely affect human health. Toxic materials contained in construction materials can also be dangerous when buildings are destroyed. Asbestos poses a particular problem. For example, in the Middle East, an area greatly affected by armed conflict, asbestos sheeting is often found in buildings. Undisturbed, asbestos does not pose any problems. However, according to a UNEP study, when destroyed, asbestos sheeting can produce asbestos fibre which can be dangerous to the health of persons living in the proximity of destroyed buildings.30 Risks to the health of the local population are increased when there has been much damage to buildings in a limited area, for example in an urban setting. Although, not per se war debris, military remnants of war can also be the source of a release of toxic and dangerous products. This includes unexploded ordnance which may contain toxic and dangerous products, which over time may be released into the environment. Abandoned military vehicles may also pose a threat, as they may be used by the local population at the end of hostilities and may contain toxic materials. War debris, including ash contaminated with asbestos or other toxic products must be treated as dangerous; however, in the rush of clean-up and reconstruction efforts, the threat posed by these materials is often not taken seriously. B. Negative impact of armed conflicts on the control of toxic and dangerous products and wastes 22. Armed conflicts create great difficulties for States in controlling their territory and protecting their population. As a consequence, armed conflicts can facilitate trafficking in dangerous products and wastes and their illicit dumping. Thus, the contamination of the environment, through soil, water, air or the food chain can lead to the denial of enjoyment of basic rights, such as the right to life, to health, to food, to safe and decent housing, etc. Given the absence of the rule of law in conflict situations, the population often suffers from a lack of access to exact information on toxic and dangerous products and wastes which may affect them. There is also an absence of remedy. The population is thus left without protection. These human rights 29 Accion Ecologica, Green Alert 115 (September 2001), http://www.accionecologica.org/webae/images/docs/fumigaciones/alertas/fumigations.doc. 30 UNEP, Desk Study on the Environment in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (2003).