Thick, billowing clouds of black smoke engulfed the skies of Tehran over the past weekend, following a series of coordinated airstrikes conducted by U.S. and Israeli forces on several oil and gas facilities located within the capital.
These attacks have prompted alarming warnings for residents about the dangers posed by both toxic airborne pollutants and highly acidic rain.
According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, the explosions released “massive volumes of toxic compounds, including hydrocarbons, as well as sulphur and nitrogen oxides,” which have severely contaminated the atmosphere.
As a consequence, rainfall in the area could pose serious risks, including chemical burns upon skin contact and severe respiratory issues for those exposed.
In response to these dangers, the Iranian Environmental Protection Organisation has strongly advised the public to stay indoors as much as possible and to wash thoroughly with clean water if they inadvertently come into contact with the acidic rain.
Further reports indicate that oil particles expelled into the atmosphere from the airstrikes have mixed with rain, falling onto vehicles and individuals. This combination poses additional health risks, as the pollutants are believed to harm both human health and the environment.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, expressed grave concerns about the potential long-term consequences of the airstrikes.
He warned that the damage inflicted on Iranian oil sites “risks contaminating food, water, and air,” which could lead to severe health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Importantly, he highlighted that reports of rain contaminated with oil have already been documented falling in various regions throughout the country, underscoring the urgent need for public health responses and environmental monitoring.
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