What Is ‘Black Rain’? WHO Warns Toxic Fallout From Iran Oil Strikes Could Harm Health

Last Updated:March 10, 2026, 22:15 IST

The WHO warned that the "black rain" and toxic compounds in the air in Iran after the US-Israeli strikes on oil facilities could cause health risks like respiratory problems.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the “black rain" and toxic compounds in the air in Iran after the US-Israeli strikes on oil facilities could cause health risks like respiratory problems, and backed Iran’s advisory urging people to remain indoors.

The UN health agency, which has an office in Iran, said it has received multiple reports of oil-laden rain this week, after Tehran was covered in black smoke and acid rain following an attack on one of its oil refineries.

“The black rain and the acidic rain ​coming with it is indeed a danger for the population, respiratory mainly," WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told a press ​briefing in Geneva, adding that Iran had advised people to stay indoors.

Lindmeier also confirmed that the WHO backed Iran’s advisory, saying, “Given what is at risk right now, the oil storage facilities, the refineries that have been struck, triggering fires, bringing serious air ​quality concerns, that is definitely a good idea."

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What Is Black Rain?

Black rain refers to rainfall contaminated with soot, oil particles, and toxic chemicals released from massive fires at damaged fuel depots and refineries.

The WHO said the US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s domestic energy facilities caused the “massive release of toxic hydrocarbons, ​sulfur oxides and nitrogen compounds, into the air". Scientists said inhaling or touching the smoke or particles could cause headaches, skin and eye ⁠irritation, and difficulty breathing.

Scientists further said the ​black rain was the result ​of a weather pattern ⁠coming into the area, bringing rainfall that combined with the particles in the air. Authorities advised citizens to stay indoors and avoid using air conditioners to prevent inhaling toxic particles.

The IDF claimed in a statement that the fuel depots “are used by the Iranian regime to supply fuel to different consumers, including its military." However, the US expressed concern that Israeli strikes could backfire strategically, rallying Iranian society to support the regime and driving up oil prices, Axios reported.

(with inputs from Reuters)

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