The World Health Organization warned Tuesday that “black rain” reported in Iran after strikes on oil facilities could cause respiratory problems and supported Iranian authorities’ advice for residents to remain indoors.
The UN health agency, which maintains an office in Iran and works with authorities on health emergencies, said it had received multiple reports this week of rain mixed with oil residues.
Tehran was engulfed in thick black smoke on Monday after an oil refinery was hit, marking an escalation in strikes on Iran’s domestic energy infrastructure as part of the campaign involving the United States and Israel.
“The black rain and the acidic rain coming with it is indeed a danger for the population, respiratory mainly,” WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said during a press briefing in Geneva, adding that authorities in Iran had advised people to stay indoors.
Asked whether the WHO supported that guidance, Lindmeier said: “Given what is at risk right now — the oil storage facilities and refineries that have been struck, triggering fires and serious air quality concerns — that is definitely a good idea.”
A video shared with Reuters by a WHO staff member showed a cleaner mopping up what appeared to be black liquid at the entrance of the organization’s office in Tehran on March 8.
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