Air Strikes Lead to Black Rain and Unprecedented Pollution in Tehran
By BBC Verify Team
Published: 8 hours ago
Recent air strikes targeting oil facilities in Tehran have triggered an alarming environmental crisis. Satellite imagery reveals smoke plumes from strikes on oil depots and refineries, raising serious health concerns for local residents as the World Health Organization (WHO) issues warnings about the potential dangers.
The Situation in Tehran
– Timeline of Events: Since the commencement of US-Israeli air strikes on February 28, these attacks have impacted at least four oil facilities near the Iranian capital.
– Visual Evidence: Satellite images from March 9 show two major oil facilities still ablaze following air strikes on March 4, with smoke billowing from the Shahran depot in the northwest and the Tehran oil refinery in the southeast.
Environmental Impact of the Attacks
– Pollution Levels: The air pollution crisis is particularly severe around the damaged oil sites, affecting nearly 10 million residents in Tehran and countless others in the surrounding areas. Locals have reported that smog and pollution have obscured the sun, along with a pervasive smell of burning.
– Scientific Insights: Experts warn that the scale of pollutants released may be unprecedented. The mix of chemicals from oil combusiton poses unique risks. Iranian sites typically generate a range of harmful substances, including:
– Carbon monoxide
– Soot particles
– Sulphur and nitrogen oxides
– Harmful hydrocarbons and metallic compounds
According to Dr. Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, this level of pollution is clearly unprecedented due to the manner in which it is generated—via missile strikes on oil refineries, rather than standard urban smog.
What is Black Rain?
Recent reports from Tehran indicate instances of black rain—rainfall tainted with pollutants, giving it a dark appearance. This phenomenon, while rare, results from high levels of soot and pollutants being washed out of the air by precipitation. Dr. Deoras explains that raindrops can act as sponges, collecting airborne pollutants during their descent.
Health Risks Associated with Pollution
– WHO Concerns: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the WHO, has expressed significant concerns regarding potential health impacts, stating that attacks on oil facilities could contaminate food, water, and air—particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
– Immediate and Long-term Effects: Experts warn that exposure to particulate matter can lead to acute respiratory issues and long-lasting health risks, including increased cancer susceptibility.
Doug Weir, director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory, highlights the unusual nature of this crisis: it occurs in a densely populated urban area, exposing many to a wide array of dangerous substances found in the black rain.
Future Outlook
Meteorological forecasts suggest showers are expected on Tuesday and again from Thursday, along with stronger winds. While this may help disperse pollutants, it does not eliminate the risks associated with those contaminants. Pollutants can enter water systems or become airborne again as the ground dries.
The unfolding situation in Tehran not only highlights the immediate need for intervention but also raises urgent questions about the impact of warfare on urban populations and environments.