WHO warns of health risks from black rain in Iran

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Tuesday about the health risks associated with “black rain” that has been falling in Iran due to attacks on oil facilities. The organization supports Iran’s recommendation for residents to stay indoors. The U.N. health agency, which has an office in Iran and collaborates with local authorities on health issues, reported several instances of rain mixed with oil this week. On Monday, Tehran was engulfed in black smoke after an oil refinery was struck, marking an increase in assaults on Iran's energy sector amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli operations. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier stated during a press briefing in Geneva, “The black rain and the acidic rain that comes with it pose a risk to the population, particularly concerning respiratory health.” He confirmed that Iran had advised its citizens to remain indoors. When asked if the WHO endorsed this advice, he replied, “Considering the current risks, particularly the oil storage facilities and refineries that have been attacked, causing fires and raising serious air quality issues, that is certainly a wise recommendation.” A video sent to Reuters by a WHO staff member depicted a cleaner wiping up a black substance at the entrance of their office in Tehran on March 8. Reuters could not independently verify this footage.