Residents of Tehran and its neighboring areas awoke last week to a scene of blackened buildings, cars, and roads covered in soot. Plumes of thick, black, and oily precipitation filled the air, causing toxic conditions that inflamed lungs, irritated lips, and burned eyes.
Air raids on Iran’s oil infrastructures by US-Israeli forces resulted in the release of vast amounts of toxic smoke into the atmosphere. This smoke condensed into hazardous clouds that returned to the ground as deadly ‘black rain.’ International health organizations like the WHO have issued warnings about the severe health risks posed by this situation.
The IDF confirmed that they targeted fuel storage facilities in Tehran used by the Iranian military to support their operations. The strikes led to complaints from Tehran residents about breathing difficulties and eye irritation as oily black rain fell in the area due to the destruction of oil refineries and fuel depots.
Following the airstrikes, US President Donald Trump’s warning of a severe hit to Iran coincided with the escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The ongoing conflict has also seen retaliatory attacks by Iran on several Gulf countries, intensifying the regional tensions.
Experts are urgently cautioning individuals exposed to ‘black rain’ about the short- and long-term health risks. These health concerns have emerged since the commencement of US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil facilities around Tehran at the end of February.
The population of Tehran, along with millions in the surrounding regions, faced thick smog and pollution following the strikes on oil facilities near the city. Experts have warned about unprecedented pollution levels and the associated health dangers, particularly in areas surrounding Tehran where the strikes occurred.
Dr. Akshay Deoras from the University of Reading highlighted the unprecedented nature of the pollution resulting from missile attacks on oil refineries and the subsequent ‘black rain.’ The Red Crescent Society in Iran also cautioned residents about the acidic and dangerous nature of the rain following the strikes.
‘Black rain’ is a term used to describe rain contaminated with high levels of pollutants that give it a dark appearance. The phenomenon occurs when pollutants like soot, ash, and toxic chemicals combine with rainwater without being fully washed out, leading to the darkened rainfall.
Health experts have emphasized the severe health risks associated with exposure to ‘black rain,’ including respiratory issues, skin damage, and potential long-term impacts on health. The WHO and other health authorities have issued urgent warnings about the risks posed by the contaminated rain in Tehran and its surroundings.
Despite the complexities of the conflict, the ultimate toll is often borne by the civilian population, underscoring the tragic consequences of war on ordinary people.
