damage to fisheries: In 1991-92, the Saudi Gulf shrimp stock showed a decline in spawning biomass to about 1-10 per cent, and a decline in total biomass to about 25 per cent of the pre-war levels as a result of the oil spills.

soil pollution: Three hundred unburned pools of oil left in the desert contaminated some 40 million tonnes of soil.

climatic changes: The 736 burning oil wells emitted soot into the air, changing the local temperature and contributing to acid rain.

health effects: The burning oil gave off aromatic hydrocarbons, which can cause cancer. Doctors also reported an increase in cases of asthma, allergies and eye irritation.

groundwater contamination: At least one aquifer, representing 40 per cent of the Kuwait's freshwater reserves, was contaminated because of the war.

depleted uranium threats: According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to depleted uranium (DU) could result in kidney damage, lung tissue damage and cancer, with a heightened threat to children. An estimated 272,000 kilogrammes of DU and uranium dust was left around Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia by the US and British forces.