In war‑torn cities, air pollution from burning oil depots and bombed buildings unleashes invisible health threats
Our EXCITE VIP team lead Dr. Armin Sorooshian is shedding light on a critical but often overlooked consequence of conflict: air pollution and its impact on human health.
Recent U.S. and Israeli strikes in Tehran and Beirut, along with Iran’s missile and drone responses, are doing more than structural damage they are releasing toxic pollutants into the air across densely populated cities. Strikes on oil depots, refineries and infrastructure have produced thick black smoke and even black rain, exposing residents to harmful particles that can cause headaches, breathing issues and long-term health risks.
Dr. Sorooshian, a chemical and environmental engineer who studies airborne particles, explains that these dangers come from multiple sources, including heavy metals from munitions and hazardous materials released from destroyed buildings. Fine particles like PM2.5 are especially dangerous because they can travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
Drawing comparisons to events like the September 11 attacks and the Gulf War, Dr. Sorooshian emphasizes that the long-term health effects of war-related pollution can persist for years, affecting both civilians and recovery workers.
His work highlights how environmental impacts of war extend beyond immediate destruction affecting air, water and soil and underscores the importance of awareness and protective measures for communities caught in conflict zones.
Read More about the EXCITE VIP TEAM