Black rain blankets Iran's capital after missile strikes damage oil facilities, with experts warning of chemical exposure risks.
Toxic smoke from burning oil depots has blanketed Tehran, Iran, leading to black rain that researchers say contains harmful chemicals. The phenomenon followed missile strikes on February 28, when Israel and the United States targeted Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation against multiple Middle Eastern countries.
Iran's retaliation included strikes on Israel and U.S. military bases in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Qatar, and Kuwait, resulting in more than 1,700 deaths according to media reports. A World Health Organization spokesperson stated that the damaged oil facilities released toxic hydrocarbons, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen compounds into the air.
What is Black Rain?
Black rain refers to precipitation mixed with atmospheric pollutants, often from fires involving heavy fuel, as explained by environmental scientists. In Tehran, it likely includes cancer-causing substances like benzene, acetone, toluene, and methylene chloride from the burning oil depots.
The black color of the rain comes from soot and carbon particles in the smoke, potentially mixed with pollutants from destroyed materials such as asbestos or silica. Tehran's location near the Alborz mountain range contributes to temperature inversions, trapping polluted air and prolonging exposure.
Health experts warn that inhaling these pollutants can cause breathing difficulties, chemical burns, and lung damage, particularly for people with pre-existing conditions. The World Health Organization advised residents to stay indoors, noting that fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to cardiovascular issues and other problems.
Babies, young children, and individuals with respiratory disorders are especially vulnerable to the effects of the toxic fumes and rain. Researchers from Australia highlighted that prolonged exposure could result in eye damage, heart attacks, or strokes, based on the concentration of chemicals in the air.
