US and Israel Release Toxic Pollutants Over Tehran, WHO Warns of 'Black Rain' Health Risks

The World Health Organization has warned of “black rain” in Tehran after strikes on oil facilities and said the phenomenon could cause serious respiratory problems.

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Al Jazeera

Iranian authorities likewise warned that toxic pollutants released after recent airstrikes on fuel depots in Tehran have significantly worsened air quality and could pose serious health risks to residents.

Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera reported the WHO warning and highlighted that the black rain could pose particular risks for children.

WHO and local agencies described the pollutants released by the attacks as including hydrocarbons and oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, with visible black residue reported near WHO offices.

WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said the strikes released toxic hydrocarbons, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen compounds into the air.

Daily Times

TheCable likewise reported that explosions at the fuel tanks released toxic compounds, including hydrocarbons, as well as sulphur and nitrogen oxides, and Daily Times said footage showed black liquid accumulating outside the WHO office in Tehran.

Health authorities warned of both immediate and long-term risks: the WHO emphasised that long-term exposure is a greater concern than short-term contact,

“WHO Alerts Iran of 'Black Rain' Crisis: A Toxic Threat Looms The World Health Organization has warned of potential respiratory problems from 'black rain' and toxic air in Iran after strikes on oil facilities”

Devdiscourse

Emergency responders cautioned that chemicals could combine with rainfall to form highly acidic precipitation capable of causing chemical burns and severe lung damage.

Al Jazeera reiterated the WHO concern about health risks, noting particular vulnerability of children.

Authorities and humanitarian organisations urged practical precautions: staying indoors, avoiding contact with any rainfall, wearing face masks if available, and washing exposed skin with running cold water if contact occurs.

The Iranian department of environment and the Red Crescent advised residents to minimise outdoor activity and described rain droplets as 'black and oily',

South China Morning Post

The WHO publicly backed Iran’s advisory to remain indoors and urged monitoring of air quality.

Sources differ slightly on attribution and emphasised risks if strikes continue: Al Jazeera attributed the black rain to "Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil facilities,"

“Iranian authorities have warned that toxic pollutants released after recent airstrikes on fuel depots in Tehran have significantly worsened air quality and could pose serious health risks to residents”

TheCable

TheCable reported the attacks were "by the United States and Israel," and Daily Times described the incident as "part of the US-Israeli campaign targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure."

TheCable

TheCable also noted fires triggered by the strikes were still burning, and WHO warned that "risks would remain high if fresh strikes occur."