# Toxic sulfur dioxide plume from Tehran oil fires spreads over area

**Published:** 2026-05-30T12:00:00.000Z  
**Topic:** Oil  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/6faf5df8-e503-46d6-a7cc-b4c769261d95

Satellite data show March 2026 Tehran oil fires released ~29,800 tons of sulfur dioxide, covering roughly 300,000 sq km and affecting regional air quality.

When oil storage and refining facilities in Tehran ignited in early March 2026, the resulting blaze emitted a massive sulfur‑dioxide (SO₂) plume that satellite measurements say spread across an area comparable to Italy ≈ 300,000 sq km [1]. The two‑day fire released about 29.8 kilotons of SO₂, a corrosive gas that can form acid rain and cause severe respiratory problems [2].

**Key takeaways**  
- The fire lasted roughly two days, beginning on March 7, 2026 [3].  
- Satellite analysis estimates total SO₂ emissions at 29,800 tons (2.98 × 10⁴ t) [2].  
- The plume covered about 300,000 sq km (≈ 115,830 sq mi), an area the size of Italy [1].  
- SO₂ concentrations rose from a regional mean of 0.8 Dobson Units to 2.0 DU during the event [3].  
- Air‑quality alerts were issued in neighboring countries, including Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, highlighting cross‑border health risks [4].

## Satellite tracking reveals the scale of the emission  

Chinese researchers published a paper in *Advances in Atmospheric Sciences* detailing how two different satellite constellations—China’s Fengyun‑3 series and Europe’s Sentinel‑5P—captured the SO₂ plume in near‑real time [3]. The analysis showed the fire’s emissions were comparable to moderate volcanic eruptions, with the plume moving northeastward and reaching East Asia after a two‑day transport [3]. Continuous tracking, the authors argue, is essential for early warning of downstream exposure, especially when ground‑based monitoring is limited [2].

## Regional impacts and health concerns  

The toxic plume drifted east and northeast, prompting air‑quality alerts in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, and raising concerns for western Afghanistan and Pakistan [4]. Experts note that SO₂ is a strong irritant and a precursor to acid rain; when mixed with water it can produce “black rain” containing oil droplets and soot, further contaminating soil and water supplies [2][3]. Residents near the Shahran depot reported immediate respiratory distress and skin irritation, underscoring the acute health threat [3].

## Why it matters  

The Tehran incident illustrates how modern conflicts can generate environmental hazards that transcend borders. Satellite‑based monitoring filled a critical data gap, providing quantitative estimates of emissions and plume trajectories that ground stations could not capture [3]. Researchers warn that without reliable early‑warning systems—hindered by internet blackouts and limited infrastructure—communities remain vulnerable to rapid‑moving pollution events [2]. The findings highlight the need for integrated, real‑time atmospheric monitoring to inform public‑health responses and mitigate cross‑regional impacts in future industrial or conflict‑related disasters.

## Sources
1. The Straits Times — [Toxic fumes from Tehran oil fires in March affected area size of Italy](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/toxic-fumes-from-tehran-oil-fires-in-march-affected-area-size-of-italy)
2. Los Angeles Times — [Toxic fumes from Tehran oil fires affected an area the size of Italy](https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2026-05-30/toxic-fumes-from-tehran-oil-fires-affected-area-size-of-italy)
3. Phys.org — [Satellites track SO₂ emissions following March 2026 refinery fires in Tehran, Iran](https://phys.org/news/2026-05-satellites-track-emissions-refinery-tehran.html)
4. TRT World — [Toxic plume from Iran oil fires drifts towards Central and South Asia](https://www.trtworld.com/article/f1b8f6758632)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Toxic sulfur dioxide plume from Tehran oil fires spreads over area", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/6faf5df8-e503-46d6-a7cc-b4c769261d95