Iran's War-Torn Air Pollution Sparks Health Crisis

Toxic debris from military strikes threatens millions in Tehran and beyond

Mar. 17, 2026 at 6:20am

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The waves of U.S. and Israeli bomb strikes in Tehran and Beirut, and Iran's missile and drone attacks on neighboring countries in response, are damaging more than buildings - they are sending toxic debris into the air in cities that are home to millions of people. The invisible enemy during war is air pollution, as military strikes hit Iran's missile stockpiles, nuclear facilities and oil refineries, releasing a cocktail of dangerous pollutants that can harm the lungs, worsen cardiovascular problems, and contribute to other health issues.

Why it matters

The severe consequences of environmental pollution during wars have prompted studies on the health impacts on military veterans and civilians. Toxic materials from damaged buildings, fires, and destroyed oil facilities can contaminate the air, soil, water, and food supply, putting millions at risk in Iran and surrounding regions.

The details

When buildings are heavily damaged or collapse, the rubble often contains crushed concrete, gypsum, and carcinogenic fibrous materials like asbestos. Even after the initial dust settles, wind and other disturbances can send those materials back into the air. Fires create additional hazards as vehicles, buildings, and chemicals burn, releasing a stew of dangerous particles and gases. Bombs and artillery also contain toxic explosives and heavy metals like lead and mercury, which contaminate the environment.

  • The January 2025 fires in Los Angeles sent a stew of dangerous particles and gases into the lower atmosphere.
  • During the Gulf War in 1991, downwind countries experienced polluted 'black rain' as Kuwait's oil fields burned.

The players

Armin Sorooshian

A professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Arizona who studies the behavior and effects of airborne particles.

U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

They published a series of reports on Gulf War military veterans' health, documenting illnesses soldiers suffered after being exposed to chemicals and heavy metals, including from oil well fires.

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What they’re saying

“As a chemical and environmental engineer who studies the behavior and effects of airborne particles, I have been following the damage reports to understand the health risks residents are facing as toxic materials get into the air.”

— Armin Sorooshian, Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona (Mirage News)

What’s next

Nature, including rain and wind, can help reduce the pollution levels in the air, but Tehran's terrain and low-altitude temperature inversions make it challenging to clear the toxic debris. People in war zones can try to reduce their health risks by staying indoors, avoiding contaminated crops and water, and taking other protective measures, but getting accurate information about the risks becomes harder during a time of conflict.

The takeaway

This crisis highlights the severe and long-lasting health consequences of environmental pollution during wars, which can contaminate the air, soil, water, and food supply for millions of people. It underscores the need for greater international cooperation and investment in protecting civilian populations from the invisible dangers of toxic debris and pollutants released by military strikes.