GENEVA (Reuters) – The World Health Organization cautioned on Tuesday that the “black rain” falling across Iran following strikes on oil facilities could lead to respiratory issues, endorsing the government’s recommendation for residents to stay indoors.
The U.N. health agency, which maintains an office in Iran and collaborates with authorities on health emergencies, said it has received several reports this week of rain contaminated with oil. On Monday, thick black smoke blanketed Tehran after an oil refinery was struck, marking an escalation in attacks on Iran’s domestic energy infrastructure during the U.S.-Israeli campaign.
“The black rain, as well as the accompanying acidic rainfall, poses a genuine threat to the public, particularly to respiratory health,” WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva, noting that Iran has urged people to remain inside.
When asked if the WHO supported that guidance, he replied: “Considering the current risks, including damaged oil storage sites and refineries that have ignited fires and severely compromised air quality, staying indoors is certainly advisable.”
A video shared with Reuters by a WHO staff member showed what appeared to be a cleaner wiping up a black substance at the entrance of the agency’s Tehran office on March 8. Reuters was unable to independently verify the footage.
