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In a stark warning to public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over significant air pollution in Tehran, attributed to a series of air strikes targeting oil refineries and storage facilities. Satellite imagery confirms the extent of the devastation, with ongoing fires and dense smoke plumes blanketing the Iranian capital since the escalation of hostilities on 28 February. This situation poses severe health risks for the city’s nearly 10 million residents and the surrounding regions.
Strikes and Their Aftermath
Recent hostilities have resulted in confirmed air strikes on at least four oil facilities around Tehran. Following attacks on the night of 7 March, satellite images revealed two major sites still engulfed in flames. Eyewitness accounts describe a harrowing atmosphere, with smog reducing visibility and emitting the acrid scent of burning oil throughout parts of the city.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility for targeting “fuel depots” near Tehran, providing visual evidence of damage to the Tehran oil refinery. However, despite inquiries, the Pentagon has yet to respond, and the IDF denied strikes on the specific sites identified by BBC Verify.
The Toxic Fallout
The environmental implications of these strikes are dire. Oil refineries, known for housing a complex array of chemicals, are particularly susceptible to generating harmful pollutants when damaged. Incomplete combustion during fires can release carbon monoxide, soot, and various noxious compounds into the atmosphere. Such incidents have the potential to generate a toxic cocktail of sulphur and nitrogen oxides, alongside other hazardous hydrocarbons.
A resident in her twenties expressed her distress, stating, “I can’t see the Sun. There is a horrible smoke. It’s still there. I’m very tired.” The absence of ground-based pollution measurements complicates the ability to assess the full scale of the crisis. However, scientists assert that the volume and variety of chemicals released are alarming and unprecedented compared to typical urban pollution.
The Phenomenon of Black Rain
Residents of Tehran have reported experiencing “black rain,” a rare occurrence where precipitation is contaminated by airborne pollutants. Dr. Akshay Deoras from the University of Reading explained that raindrops can collect soot and other particles from the atmosphere, resulting in this unusual phenomenon. While rain often acts as a natural cleanser for air pollutants, the presence of black rain indicates a severe level of contamination.
Health Implications and Future Risks
The WHO has voiced significant concerns regarding the health impacts of this environmental crisis. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the dangers of contaminated air, food, and water, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Anna Hansell, a professor of environmental epidemiology, further noted that exposure to such high levels of particulates can lead to immediate respiratory issues and long-term health risks, including heightened cancer susceptibility.
Experts have underscored the unique nature of this crisis, suggesting that the air pollution resulting from strikes in such a densely populated area is unlike what has been observed in previous conflicts, where oil fields were typically located away from urban centres. Doug Weir, director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory, emphasised that Tehran residents are now facing exposure to an alarming array of harmful substances.
Weather forecasts suggest rain and wind in the coming days, which may help disperse some pollutants. However, the long-term risks remain as contaminants could enter waterways or become airborne again if the ground dries.
Why it Matters
The ongoing crisis in Tehran signifies a profound intersection between geopolitical conflict and public health, raising urgent questions about environmental safety in urban warfare contexts. This unprecedented pollution event not only poses immediate health risks but also highlights the long-term environmental consequences of military actions in densely populated areas. As the situation develops, the need for international oversight and humanitarian intervention becomes increasingly critical to safeguard the health and well-being of affected populations.
