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Recent military actions in Tehran have resulted in significant environmental and health concerns, following the targeting of oil facilities by US-Israeli forces. Satellite imagery and eyewitness accounts indicate that these strikes have caused severe air pollution, with reports of unusual phenomena such as “black rain” contaminating the city.
Air Strikes and Their Consequences
Since the onset of the US-Israeli military operations on 28 February, at least four oil facilities surrounding Tehran have been struck. The aftermath of these attacks has led to extensive smoke emissions that have enveloped the city, creating a thick layer of smog that has obscured sunlight and introduced a pervasive smell of burning. Experts are raising alarms about the potential health risks associated with such high levels of pollution, describing it as potentially “unprecedented”.
Recent satellite images from 9 March, analysed by BBC Verify, reveal that fires continue to blaze at two significant oil installations in the capital, following reported air strikes on the previous Saturday night. Observations from the Shahran oil depot in the north-west and the Tehran oil refinery in the south-east indicate ongoing fires and damage, with emergency response teams assessing the situation and inspecting burnt-out vehicles.
Pollution and Health Risks
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a statement that their operations targeted “fuel depots” near Tehran, although they refuted claims of strikes on specific identified locations. The Pentagon has not provided a response regarding the verified sites. The nature of oil refineries means that their destruction can lead to a variety of harmful emissions, as incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide and soot particles, alongside other noxious compounds.
A resident of Tehran expressed her distress, stating, “I can’t see the Sun. There is a horrible smoke. It’s still there. I’m very tired,” highlighting the immediate impact on daily life. Assessing the precise levels of air pollution is complicated due to a lack of ground-based monitoring and the challenges of interpreting satellite data affected by weather conditions. However, scientists are in agreement that the pollutants released from these facilities pose significant health threats, differing markedly from the typical smog associated with urban areas.
Dr. Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, noted, “What has happened in Iran is definitely unprecedented because it stems from missile strikes and air assaults on oil refineries.” This sentiment was echoed by Professor Eloise Marais from University College London, who stated that this level of pollution is typically only seen in catastrophic industrial disasters.
The Phenomenon of Black Rain
On Sunday, residents reported experiencing “black rain,” a term used to describe precipitation laden with pollutants that darken its appearance. While rainfall typically helps to cleanse the air of contaminants, the presence of high levels of soot and other particulates can lead to this rare phenomenon. Dr. Deoras explained, “The raindrops acted like little sponges, collecting whatever was in the air as they fell.”
This troubling occurrence is not just a local anomaly; it raises significant concerns about the long-term effects on the environment and public health. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed grave concerns regarding the potential for such pollution to contaminate food and water supplies, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Risks
Weather forecasts indicate potential rain in the coming days, which may assist in dispersing the pollutants; however, the risks remain. Contaminants could find their way into waterways or be resuspended into the air if not fully washed away. Doug Weir, director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory, pointed out the unusual nature of these attacks occurring in a densely populated urban area, highlighting the extensive range of harmful substances residents in Tehran are now facing.
Why it Matters
The situation in Tehran serves as a stark reminder of the environmental and public health repercussions of military conflict, particularly in urban settings. As air quality deteriorates and unusual weather phenomena emerge, it underscores the urgent need for effective monitoring and intervention strategies to protect the health of millions living in affected areas. The potential long-term consequences of this pollution could reverberate through the population for years to come, making immediate action and international attention critical.
