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Residents of Tehran are grappling with an environmental catastrophe following a series of air strikes targeting oil facilities, which have resulted in alarming levels of air pollution and the phenomenon of “black rain.” The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised significant concerns regarding the serious health implications posed by these attacks, especially as the situation continues to evolve.
A Toxic Aftermath
Since the onset of the US-Israeli military operations against Iran on February 28, multiple strikes have been confirmed at four oil facilities around the Iranian capital. Satellite imagery, taken as recently as March 9, reveals substantial smoke plumes emanating from these sites, particularly from the Tehran oil refinery and the Shahran depot, both of which have reportedly been set ablaze. Residents have described the city enveloped in smog, obscuring sunlight and saturating the air with the acrid smell of burning oil.
Eyewitness accounts detail the immediate impact, with one young woman stating, “I can’t see the Sun. There is a horrible smoke. It’s still there. I’m very tired.” Such sentiments resonate across a city that houses nearly 10 million people, amplifying concerns about health risks associated with the heavy air pollution.
Nature of the Pollutants
The strikes on oil refineries pose a significant risk of releasing a variety of hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere. When oil is incompletely burned, harmful by-products such as carbon monoxide and soot are released instead of the cleaner emissions of carbon dioxide and water. Moreover, the fires can emit sulphur and nitrogen oxides, which, when combined with rainwater, can form acidic compounds detrimental to both human health and the environment.
Authorities have yet to fully assess the extent of the damage, primarily due to the ongoing fires obscuring visibility. However, emergency responders have been observed examining charred oil tankers and damaged infrastructure, indicating a severe impact on local operations and safety.
Dr. Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, characterised the situation as “unprecedented,” noting that the unique mix of pollutants resulting from missile attacks on oil facilities is markedly different from the typical smog encountered in urban areas like Beijing or Delhi. Eloise Marais, a professor at University College London, echoed this sentiment, stating that such pollution levels are usually only associated with catastrophic industrial accidents.
The Emergence of Black Rain
In an alarming twist, residents reported experiencing “black rain” on Sunday. This term refers to precipitation that has become contaminated with airborne pollutants, leading to its darkened appearance. Dr. Deoras has explained that raindrops can act as collectors for soot and other pollutants, resulting in this unusual weather phenomenon.
While it is not uncommon for rain to wash pollutants from the air, the occurrence of black rain is rare and indicates exceptionally high levels of contamination. The potential health implications of such rainfall are considerable, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
Health Risks and Future Implications
The WHO has expressed grave concerns over the conflict’s ramifications for public health. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that the damage to oil facilities could lead to widespread contamination of food, water, and air—hazards likely to have severe health impacts, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
Anna Hansell, a professor of environmental epidemiology at the University of Leicester, noted that “intense exposures of particulates” can have immediate respiratory effects, as well as long-term consequences, including increased cancer risk. Doug Weir from the Conflict and Environment Observatory pointed out the unprecedented nature of these attacks occurring in such a densely populated area, exposing millions to a cocktail of hazardous substances.
While weather forecasts indicate rain and stronger winds may help disperse pollutants, the risks remain. Contaminants can infiltrate waterways, and once the ground dries, particles can be re-suspended into the air, perpetuating the cycle of pollution.
Why it Matters
This escalating pollution crisis in Tehran underscores the dire consequences of military conflicts on civilian environments and public health. As the situation unfolds, the focus must remain on monitoring the health impacts on the affected populations, as well as on the long-term environmental ramifications. The implications of these attacks extend beyond immediate air quality; they affect water sources, food safety, and the health of millions, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and intervention in safeguarding civilian lives amidst conflict.
