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Tehran is grappling with a severe pollution crisis after air strikes targeted oil facilities in the region, leading to the emergence of hazardous black rain and alarming levels of air contamination. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised significant concerns about the potential health risks posed by these attacks, which began on 28 February 2023. Satellite imagery has confirmed that at least four oil sites around the Iranian capital have been struck, resulting in smoke plumes that have enveloped the city and obscured sunlight for its nearly ten million residents.
Air Strikes and Immediate Consequences
Recent satellite images captured on 9 March reveal that two major oil facilities in Tehran remain ablaze following air strikes reported over the preceding weekend. Observations indicate ongoing fires at the Shahran depot in the north-west and the Tehran oil refinery in the south-east. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed strikes on “fuel depots” in the vicinity, although they have denied targeting the specific facilities highlighted by BBC Verify.
Residents have described an oppressive atmosphere filled with a pungent burning smell, as pollution levels surged. One local woman, in her twenties, expressed distress, stating, “I can’t see the Sun. There is a horrible smoke. It’s still there. I’m very tired.” Experts warn that the pollutants released from these oil sites could be of an unprecedented scale, posing serious risks to public health.
The Nature of the Pollution
The air quality crisis in Tehran is compounded by the unique mix of chemicals released during the strikes. Oil refineries contain diverse compounds, and incomplete combustion can emit harmful substances such as carbon monoxide and soot particles. Additionally, the fires are likely to release sulphur and nitrogen oxides, leading to acid rain formation when these substances interact with precipitation.
Dr Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, pointed out that the situation is unlike typical urban pollution scenarios, asserting, “What has happened [in Iran] is definitely unprecedented because it’s all coming in from missiles dropping in and airstrikes on oil refineries.” Eloise Marais, a professor of atmospheric chemistry at University College London, echoed this sentiment, noting that such pollution levels are usually only associated with catastrophic industrial accidents.
Black Rain: An Alarming Phenomenon
Tehran residents have reported experiencing “black rain,” a phenomenon characterised by rainfall contaminated with pollutants, resulting in darkened precipitation. While it is common for rain to cleanse the air of pollutants, black rain is infrequent and indicative of severe contamination. Dr Deoras explained that raindrops can collect airborne pollutants, leading to this unusual rainfall.
The impact of such pollution on health is profound. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the WHO, has expressed grave concerns about the repercussions for public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. He stated that damage to oil facilities “risks contaminating food, water and air – hazards that can have severe health impacts.”
Future Implications and Health Risks
The long-term consequences of this environmental disaster remain uncertain. Experts caution that the particulates emitted can have immediate effects on lung health and may lead to chronic respiratory issues and an increased risk of cancer over time. Doug Weir, director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory, highlighted the unusual nature of these attacks in such a densely populated area, remarking that citizens are exposed to a broad spectrum of hazardous substances from the black rain.
Weather forecasts predict rain in the coming days, which may help dilute and disperse some pollutants. However, the risk of contamination persists, as pollutants can enter waterways or become airborne again if they settle and are disturbed by wind.
Why it Matters
The current situation in Tehran serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between conflict and environmental health. As air quality deteriorates and reports of black rain emerge, the urgent need for international attention and action is clear. This crisis highlights how military actions can lead not only to immediate destruction but also to long-lasting health ramifications for civilian populations. The implications extend beyond Tehran, raising questions about the environmental consequences of warfare and the critical importance of protecting public health amidst ongoing conflicts.
