Israeli Airstrikes on Tehran Oil Facilities Released 29,800 Tonnes of Sulphur Dioxide

Israeli airstrikes on oil facilities in Tehran on 7 March released 29,800 tonnes of sulphur dioxide, according to measurements from Chinese satellites reported by New Scientist. The plume covered 300,000 square kilometres and moved across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China.

Warplanes struck several oil depots and a refinery, igniting fires that burned for days. Black rain containing soot and hydrocarbons fell on the Iranian capital, and residents reported eye and skin irritation along with breathing difficulty. Data analysed by Zhenping Yin at Wuhan University showed sulphur dioxide concentrations high enough to impair lung function, irritate eyes and throat, and worsen asthma or bronchitis, particularly for children and older adults.

Carpenter at the University of York noted that the sulphur dioxide was accompanied by nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and unburned hydrocarbons such as benzene. These substances have been linked to cancer and other health effects. The plume lasted about three days.

Ground-level concentrations remain uncertain because satellites measure the full atmospheric column. Yin stated that satellite readings of pollutants could support faster disaster response and early warnings for areas downwind.