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WHO warns of health risks from 'black rain' in Iran

The World Health Organization cautions Tehran residents to stay indoors due to oil-contaminated black rain containing toxic pollutants harmful to respiratory health.

  • On March 10, the World Health Organization warned that black rain in Iran could cause respiratory problems and backed Iran's stay-indoors advisory after receiving multiple reports this week.
  • Explosions at fuel storage facilities released hydrocarbons and sulfur and nitrogen oxides that rained out as oil-laden, acidic black rain after Israeli strikes hit Shahran and Aghdasieh oil depots in Tehran.
  • Witnesses in Tehran reported oil-contaminated rain causing headaches and breathing problems, while rain acidity measured a pH of about 4 to 4.4, WHO staff confirmed.
  • The Iranian Red Crescent and Tehran governor advised people to wear masks, avoid air conditioners, and clean indoor surfaces amid toxic black rain, as authorities warned of health risks from the fallout.
  • Experts caution that inhaled PM2.5 and PAHs link to cancers and cardiovascular risks, while deposited pollutants threaten aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources; oil prices surged past $100 and nearly $115 per barrel.
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Lean Left

Since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran began on 28 February, at least four oil installations around the Iranian capital, Tehran, have been verified. In this regard, last Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the “black rain” and toxic compounds present in the air in Iran following attacks on the oil facilities could cause breathing problems, and supported Iran’s recommendation that the population remain in their homes. Conti…

·Granada, Spain
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Lean Right

First came the attacks on the oil depots. Then hell spread. “A black monster has swallowed the sky,” Leila, a 27-year-old teacher in Tehran, told Time Magazine.

·Stockholm, Sweden
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Left

Geneva. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned yesterday that the “black rain” and toxic compounds present in the air in Iran following attacks on oil facilities could cause breathing problems, and urged the population to stay in their homes.

·Mexico
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La Repubblica broke the news in Turin, Italy on Monday, March 9, 2026.
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