War Pollution Effects Uncovering the Costs in the Middle East

In June 2025, Iran launched over 370 ballistic missiles at Israel in just four days.30 missiles penetrating Israeli air defenses and striking targets.Airbases, intelligence facilities, and civilian infrastructure are destroyed. Homes and schools are also effected. War pollution effects every one.for more knowledge about war pollution effects. you may see .

Fig 1:Missile interceptions in Lower Galilee’s war pollution effects

Types Used: 

The primary missiles reported include Fattah-1 and Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles, among others are fired. for more knowledge about war pollution effects . you may see .

Infrastructure Targets: Verified strikes damaged military airbases (Nevatim, Tel Nof), a school in Gedera, homes, and a restaurant in Tel Aviv. Collateral damage extended to water and energy infrastructure destruction. In previous conflicts, notably in Gaza and Lebanon, where hospitals, water treatment plants, and power facilities have been repeatedly targeted. for more knowledge about war pollution effects. you may see .

Fig :2 Damage to a building in Bat Yam,War Pollution effects in south of Tel Aviv. An Iranian missile struck the area in the early morning of June 15. (Seth J. Frantzman/LWJ)

Casualties Overview

Civilian Fatalities: In the June 2025 Israel-Iran conflict. At least one Palestinian civilian was killed by missile debris. And one Israeli civilian died from a heart attack induced by the attack. Several others sustained minor injuries.

Military Fatalities: The majority of direct fatalities and injuries were civilian, with no confirmed military deaths in the most recent strikes. However, hundreds of military and civilian casualties have been documented in broader conflicts. For Examole Gaza and Lebanon.

2. Emissions Narrative

CO₂ and Particulates Estimate

Gaza War Analogy: The Gaza conflict generated an estimated 1.9 million metric tons of CO₂ over 15 months, with 420,000–650,000 tons. It emitted in the first 120 days alone. It surpasses the annual emissions of dozens of countries. Check out for more deatails.

Per Missile Estimate: Each large missile or airstrike can emit several hundred to thousands of tons of CO₂, depending on fuel use, munitions, and secondary fires. For example, 100,000 artillery shells in Gaza produced about 12,000 tons of CO₂.

Particulate Release: Missile strikes and resulting fires release high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). It emit black carbon, and toxic gases, with emissions spiking during and after attacks.

Uncertainty Note: These estimates are based on analogous conflicts and may vary by ±30%. Due to differences in weapon types, targets, and local conditions.

3. Human–Environment Health Impacts

Acute Hazards

Air Quality: Missile detonations and fires cause sharp increases in PM2.5 and PM10, leading to respiratory distress, asthma attacks, and increased hospital admissions, especially among vulnerable populations.

Water Contamination: Destruction of water treatment and sewage plants leads to acute contamination of surface and groundwater, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Chronic Hazards

Soil Contamination: Explosive residues, heavy metals, and depleted uranium (DU) from munitions persist in soils, posing long-term risks to human health and agriculture .

Ecosystem Degradation: Repeated strikes disrupt agriculture, destroy green cover, and reduce future carbon sequestration capacity, compounding climate impacts.

4. Regional Context

Gulf Wars Comparison

Oil Fires: The 1991 Gulf War saw over 600 oil wells set ablaze, releasing an estimated 130–140 million tons of CO₂, 20,000 tons of soot, and 24,000 tons of SO₂ daily. This caused black acidic rain, massive air pollution, and long-term health effects across the region for more knowledge about war pollution effects. you may see .

Soil and Water: Oil spills and fires contaminated vast areas of soil and water, threatening wildlife and human populations for years for more knowledge about war pollution effects. you may see.

2006 Lebanon vs Gaza

Urban Bombardment: Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon (2006) and Gaza created millions of tons of debris, widespread chemical contamination, and extensive emissions. In Lebanon, 13% of forests and 17% of river ecosystems were damaged, and water systems were heavily polluted.

Fig3: Smoke rises after an Israeli attack in Tal al-Hawa, southern Gaza, highlighting the environmental impact of war pollution..

Civilian Exposure: Both conflicts harmed millions with toxic air, water, and soil, causing lasting health and economic damage.

5. Forward-Looking: Actions Needed

Environmental Assessments During Ceasefires

Rapid Response: Implement immediate environmental damage assessments during ceasefires, focusing on soil, water, and air quality monitoring1920.

Transparent Data: Publicly share environmental and health data to inform advisories and guide humanitarian responses.

Regional Climate Diplomacy Revival

Shared Vulnerabilities: Use shared water, air pollution, and disaster risks to drive climate diplomacy and joint preparedness efforts.

National Accountability & Tracking

International Frameworks: Support global deals to track military environmental impacts. Include military emissions in national and UN climate reports..for more knowledge about war pollution effects. you may see .

Fig 4:Emissions vissual after blast War pollutin effects.

Why This Matters

Armed conflict devastates not only human lives but also the environment that sustains societies and economies. Accurate data and accountability are essential to protect civilians, build health resilience, and mitigate climate impacts. Collective stewardship of the environment can foster peace and stability in volatile regions.

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