Iran war risks long-term toxic legacy for people and nature
Iran War Risks Long-Term Toxic Legacy for People and Nature
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to various environmental threats, including burning oil refineries and sinking vessels. These actions could have enduring effects on the region’s ecosystems, water quality, and public health. As the US-Israeli war with Iran continues, strikes on oil infrastructure and missile bases are causing alarm among experts about potential long-term damage.
Environmental Impact of Striking Key Targets
According to the UK-based nonprofit Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS), over 300 incidents of possible environmental harm have been documented since the conflict began. These range from attacks on missile sites to assaults on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. However, CEOBS director Doug Weir noted that these numbers represent only a fraction of the total damage. “This accounts for only a fraction of the total damage,” Weir explained to DW. “The US claims to have hit 5,000 sites. Right now, we’re just scratching the surface.”
Black Rain and Air Quality Concerns
One notable example of environmental harm emerged in Tehran after Israel’s strikes on oil facilities. “Black rain”—a combination of oil and moisture—spilled across the city, accompanied by thick smoke that blanketed the capital. Home to nearly 10 million residents, the capital’s air quality deteriorated, prompting warnings from Iran’s Red Crescent Society. People were advised to remain indoors to avoid exposure to toxic pollutants.
Health Risks from Toxic Particles
Zongbo Shi, a professor at the University of Birmingham specializing in atmospheric biogeochemistry, highlighted the dangers of fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide in the air. These substances, along with volatile organic compounds and other combustion by-products, can infiltrate the lungs and increase the likelihood of respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Vulnerable groups such as children, elderly individuals, and those with existing health conditions face heightened risks.
Persistent Contamination from Bombing
Experts warn that bombed military and energy sites can leave behind harmful residues that linger for years. Oil facilities, targeted in Iran and other Gulf states, may release toxic plumes that travel to nearby areas, settling on roads, rooftops, and farmland. Attacks on missile bases also pose significant dangers, as fuels, heavy metals, PFAS, and explosives can contaminate the environment long after hostilities cease. For instance, TNT, a common explosive, remains in soil and can harm both plant life and human health.
Challenges in Assessing Environmental Damage
Without direct on-site testing, it is hard to fully evaluate the extent of contamination. Weir emphasized that there is limited transparency about what materials are stored in the affected sites. “We know these locations likely contain military supplies, some of which are hazardous,” he said. “But we lack specific details or data on their contents and what has been destroyed.” His team relies on satellite images, radar maps, social media updates, and news reports to monitor the situation remotely.
Oil Spills and Marine Ecosystems
Attacks on Iran’s naval assets and Tehran’s strikes on ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz also raise concerns about oil spills. The Persian Gulf is rich in marine habitats, including seagrass beds that support fish, pearl oysters, green turtles, and the world’s second-largest population of the endangered dugong. Fishing communities dependent on these waters could suffer from contamination. “This dimension is often overlooked in conflicts,” Weir stated. “We’ve seen several coastal areas targeted, increasing the chance of pollutants entering the marine environment.”
The US reported Wednesday that it had struck more than 60 Iranian vessels during the conflict. This underscores the widespread impact of the war on both military and civilian infrastructure, with potential consequences for the region’s environment and inhabitants.
