In a concerning escalation of military action, air strikes targeting oil facilities around Tehran have ignited a wave of pollution, resulting in hazardous air quality and reports of ‘black rain’ across the Iranian capital. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms regarding the serious health risks posed to the city’s nearly 10 million residents, following the onset of US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Satellite imagery has confirmed ongoing fires at multiple oil sites, raising fears of a public health crisis.
Attacks on Oil Facilities and Environmental Impact
Since the commencement of the air strikes, which have reportedly struck at least four oil facilities in the vicinity of Tehran, the effects on air quality have been stark. Residents have reported a thick smog that obscures sunlight and a pervasive smell of burning oil. Experts caution that the nature of pollutants released from these strikes could be without precedent.
The latest satellite images, taken on March 9, reveal two major oil facilities still ablaze after a series of strikes, with smoke billowing from the Shahran depot in north-west Tehran and the Tehran oil refinery in the south-east. Eyewitness accounts describe dramatic fireballs lighting the night sky following the recent attacks, underscoring the severity of the situation.
While the full extent of the damage remains uncertain due to the combination of smoke and cloud cover, initial assessments indicate significant destruction. Emergency crews have been observed investigating charred oil tankers and damaged infrastructure, signalling a catastrophic impact on the local environment.
Compounding Health Risks for Tehran Residents
The WHO has issued grave warnings about the potential health ramifications stemming from the air strikes on oil facilities. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organisation’s director-general, emphasised the risk of contamination to food, water, and air, which could have dire consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Local residents, like one woman in her twenties, have expressed their distress over the pollution levels. “I can’t see the Sun. There is a horrible smoke. It’s still there. I’m very tired,” she conveyed to BBC Persian. The situation is compounded by the lack of ground-based pollution measurements, making it difficult to accurately assess the air quality. However, scientists infer that the combination of chemicals released from the burning oil facilities is likely to be highly toxic and markedly different from the smog typically experienced in other major cities.
Dr. Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, remarked on the uniqueness of the situation, highlighting that this level of pollution is unprecedented in urban conflict settings. Professor Eloise Marais from University College London echoed these concerns, noting that such pollution would generally only result from catastrophic industrial accidents.
The Phenomenon of ‘Black Rain’
In an extraordinary development, residents of Tehran reported instances of ‘black rain’ following the strikes. This term refers to rainfall that has become contaminated by pollutants, resulting in a dark appearance. Dr. Deoras explained that raindrops can act as magnets, collecting airborne particles as they descend, which can lead to this unusual phenomenon.
While it is common for pollutants to be washed out of the atmosphere by rain, the occurrence of black rain is rare and indicative of severe air quality issues. This suggests a critical level of environmental contamination that could have far-reaching health implications.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Risks
The WHO’s leadership is increasingly concerned about the long-term health impacts of this crisis. Exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to immediate respiratory issues, and as noted by environmental epidemiologist Anna Hansell, there are potential long-lasting effects on lung health and an increased risk of cancer.
Doug Weir, director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory, pointed out that the density of Tehran’s population exacerbates the risks associated with these attacks. Typically, oil fields are situated far from urban centres, but the current strikes are affecting a vast number of people, exposing them to a wide array of harmful substances.
While weather forecasts suggest rain and stronger winds may assist in dispersing some pollutants, the danger remains. Contaminants can enter waterways or resurface as dust once the ground dries, continuing to pose health risks to the populace.
Why it Matters
The situation in Tehran serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between conflict and environmental health. As military actions continue to disrupt vital infrastructure, the potential for long-term public health crises looms large. The unprecedented pollution levels observed following these air strikes highlight an urgent need for international attention and intervention, reinforcing the critical importance of safeguarding civilian populations from the collateral damage of warfare.
