Due to US-Iran war, poisonous black rain is falling in Tehran, soil, water and air are all contaminated, scientists alert

New Delhi: The Iran-America-Israel conflict is no longer limited to just war. This has become a serious environmental and health crisis. After the attacks on oil depots, refineries and fuel storage sites around Tehran and Karaj in March 2026, ‘Black Rain’ i.e. black and poisonous rain has started falling. Scientists believe that its effect can last for many decades.

What is black rain and how is it formed?

Millions of liters of crude oil was burnt after the attacks on major oil facilities in Tehran. Due to incomplete burning, huge amounts of black smoke, carbon particles and oil particles spread into the air. In low pressure weather, these particles mixed with the water in the clouds. When it rained, black, sticky and acidic drops fell on the ground. This is what is being called black rain.

There are dangerous elements in black rain

• PM2.5 and very small particles which reach deep into the lungs.
• Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which form acid rain.
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) – Cancer Causing Chemicals
• Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel
• Toxic gases and hydrocarbons

Experts have described it as toxic and acidic rain. Children, elderly and pregnant women are most at risk.

immediate effect on health

Pollution in Tehran has reached dangerous levels. The level of PM2.5 is many times more than the normal limit. Many people have described it as an atmosphere like a chemical attack. People are showing these symptoms:

• Eye irritation and redness
• sore throat and persistent cough
• difficulty breathing
• Worsening condition of patients with asthma and COPD
• Skin irritation and allergies

long term threat

Black Rain isn’t just causing immediate damage. PM2.5 particles dissolving in the blood are increasing heart attacks, strokes and serious lung diseases. PAHs and heavy metals increase the risk of cancer. Soil and water are also getting contaminated. Heavy metals are accumulating in the soil and making crops poisonous.

Food items can also get contaminated due to groundwater being affected. This may affect the next generation as well. Such as problems in the development of children and weak immunity.

impact on climate

Nearly 5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions have occurred in the first 14 days of the war. Black carbon is accelerating the melting of glaciers. Scientists are calling it more serious than the 1991 Gulf War because pollution is spreading over the densely populated city of Tehran.

This war is proving that the impact of modern war does not last only till today. Black rain is a slow poison that will cause long-term harm to air, water, soil and the human body. The war may end, but its pollution may persist for decades.