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In a troubling turn of events, air strikes targeting oil facilities in Tehran have resulted in severe air pollution, described by scientists as unprecedented. Since the onset of US-Israeli military actions on 28 February, several oil installations around Iran’s capital have sustained significant damage, leading to health concerns for the city’s nearly 10 million residents. Satellite imagery reveals the extent of the damage, with plumes of smoke engulfing vast areas and reports of unusual occurrences such as “black rain” contaminating the environment.
Air Strikes and Environmental Fallout
The recent military operations, which began on 28 February, have seen at least four oil facilities struck in and around Tehran. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings about the potential health risks posed by these attacks, highlighting the hazardous substances released into the air. Residents report a notable decline in air quality, with thick smog obscuring sunlight and a pervasive smell of burning permeating the city’s atmosphere.
On 9 March, satellite images captured two major oil facilities still ablaze, following strikes that targeted them over the weekend. The Shahran depot in the north-west and the Tehran oil refinery in the south-east were both identified as sites of concern. Verified video footage recorded the immediate aftermath of the attacks, showcasing massive fireballs lighting up the night sky.
Despite the ongoing fires, assessing the full extent of the pollution remains challenging due to cloud cover and wind patterns complicating satellite data interpretation. However, preliminary observations show emergency responders examining charred oil tankers and damaged infrastructure in the wake of the strikes.
The Chemical Composition of the Crisis
The air strikes have raised alarms about the types of pollutants being released into the atmosphere. Experts indicate that oil refineries contain a complex array of chemicals, and when oil burns incompletely—due to inadequate oxygen—harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide and soot are emitted instead of cleaner gases. Additionally, oil fires can generate sulphur and nitrogen oxides, which, when combined with rainwater, can lead to acid formation, compounding environmental degradation.
Dr Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, emphasised that the current pollution levels are atypical. He stated, “What has happened in Iran is definitely unprecedented,” noting that the situation is exacerbated by missile strikes rather than typical industrial accidents.
Eloise Marais, an expert in atmospheric chemistry at University College London, concurred, highlighting that the pollution profile seen in Tehran is usually only observed in the aftermath of catastrophic industrial events, such as a refinery explosion.
Black Rain: A Disturbing Phenomenon
Tehran residents have reported instances of “black rain,” a term used to describe precipitation laden with pollutants that darken its appearance. This rare phenomenon occurs when raindrops collect soot and other harmful particles from the atmosphere as they fall. Dr Deoras explained, “The raindrops acted like little sponges or magnets, collecting whatever was in the air as they descended.”
While it is common for rainfall to cleanse the air of pollutants, the presence of black rain indicates an alarming concentration of contaminants. The implications for public health are significant, as the downpour could lead to further environmental contamination.
Health Risks and Future Implications
The WHO has raised grave concerns regarding the health impacts of the ongoing conflict, particularly the contamination of food, water, and air. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that such environmental hazards could severely affect vulnerable populations, including children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Anna Hansell, a professor of environmental epidemiology at the University of Leicester, noted the immediate and long-term health risks posed by elevated particulate exposure. “These very intense exposures of particulates have immediate impacts on the lungs,” she stated. “But they can also have quite lasting effects over many years.”
Doug Weir, director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory, pointed out the unprecedented scale of pollution affecting Tehran’s densely populated areas, where residents are exposed to a wide variety of harmful substances.
Weather forecasts indicate that rain is expected on Tuesday and later in the week, which may assist in dispersing and washing away some of the pollutants. However, this does not eliminate the potential for long-term contamination, as pollutants can enter waterways or become airborne again when disturbed.
Why it Matters
The environmental and health implications of the air strikes in Tehran extend far beyond immediate consequences. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the critical need for international awareness and intervention regarding the impacts of military conflicts on urban environments and public health. The unique challenges posed by pollution in densely populated areas like Tehran call for urgent action and comprehensive strategies to mitigate harm and protect vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of such crises.
