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 unleashed a series of environmental threats, from damaged oil refineries to sunken vessels, which could have enduring consequences for public health, water resources, and natural habitats. As the US-Israeli war escalates, strikes on strategic oil installations and missile bases have prompted experts to highlight the potential for a toxic aftermath that may persist long after hostilities cease.
According to UK-based Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS), over 300 environmental incidents have been recorded since the conflict began, including assaults on missile bases and oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. However, the organization suggests these figures represent only a fraction of the total damage. “This is merely the visible portion of the problem,” CEOBS director Doug Weir remarked to DW. “The US claims to have targeted more than 5,000 locations, meaning we are still in the early stages of understanding the full scope.”
Immediate health impacts
Following Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian oil facilities, Tehran experienced “black rain,” a mixture of oil and water, which blanketed streets and intensified air pollution. The resulting smoke, laden with toxic elements, affected nearly 10 million residents, with some reporting symptoms such as headaches and breathing difficulties. Zongbo Shi, a professor at the University of Birmingham, explained that the pollutants likely included fine particulates, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, all of which can penetrate the lungs and elevate risks of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
“We’re witnessing a range of hazardous combustion by-products that pose serious health risks,” Shi noted.
Long-term contamination risks
Experts warn that the destruction of military and energy sites may leave behind lingering toxins. Oil facilities hit by bombing campaigns can emit plumes of harmful substances that spread across nearby areas, settling on surfaces like roads, soil, and crops. Similarly, attacks on missile bases release fuels, heavy metals, PFAS, and explosives, which may persist in the environment for years. For instance, TNT, a common munition, is classified as a potential human carcinogen by the EPA and can contaminate vegetation and soil.
Without direct on-site testing, evaluating the extent of pollution remains challenging. “The lack of transparency makes it hard to determine the exact nature of the damage,” Weir stated. “We know these sites may contain toxic materials like propellants, but specifics about what has been destroyed are scarce.”
Marine ecosystems at risk
Strikes on Iran’s navy and attacks in the Strait of Hormuz also raise concerns about oil spills. The Persian Gulf is rich in marine biodiversity, including seagrass beds that sustain fish, pearl oysters, green turtles, and the world’s second-largest population of the critically endangered dugong. Coastal communities reliant on seafood face added threats as pollutants may seep into marine environments. “This is a unique aspect of the current conflict,” Weir observed. “We’ve seen several coastal targets struck, which could disrupt ecosystems and food sources.”
The US announced on Wednesday that it had damaged over 60 Iranian ships during the war, further amplifying fears of environmental degradation. As the battle continues, the long-term toll on both human populations and nature grows more apparent.
