Iran war's environmental toll may leave decades-long damage

Experts say the Iran war has released soot, chemicals and heavy metals from burning oil and damaged sites that threaten air, soil and water and could pose health risks lasting decades.

The Iran war has produced widespread pollution from burning oil and gas sites, damaged vessels and strikes on industrial and military areas. Experts report mixtures of soot, toxic chemicals and heavy metals entering air, soil and water. Assessing the full scale of damage has been hampered by delays in satellite imagery and restricted internet access in Iran. Monitoring groups and scientists continue to document incidents as data become available. What is known: - Monitoring groups have recorded more than 400 environmentally concerning incidents linked to the conflict, based on satellite sensing and open-source intelligence. - Fires and damage at oil and gas facilities, sunk or burning ships, and strikes on industrial and military sites have released soot, chemicals and heavy metals that can contaminate air, soil and water. - Experts warn these pollutants are associated with increased risks of respiratory and cardiovascular illness and longer-term cancer risks, while the full scope of environmental and health impacts remains undetermined due to data gaps. Summary: The contamination described could affect ecosystems, agriculture and drinking water and may pose health risks for years. Efforts to document and assess the damage are ongoing, and a comprehensive accounting or formal next steps are undetermined at this time.