This morning’s strikes on oil refineries have caused oil rain to fall over Moscow and the Moscow Region. This precipitation poses a serious toxic threat to human health, the environment and agriculture in the region. Oil droplets are contaminating the air, water and soil, causing chemical burns and destroying vegetation.
- Following the strikes on the oil refinery, oil began to rain down on Moscow.
- Inhaling oil mist causes respiratory and heart conditions.
- Direct contact with the droplets causes chemical burns and dermatitis.
- Oil pollutes water bodies and soil, and destroys vegetation.
- Pollution makes the water undrinkable and damages crops.
A chemical threat to the population of Moscow and the Moscow Region
Following the damage caused attacks on oil refineries in the Moscow area it began to rain oil, which contain toxic aerosols. Inhaling such air can cause shortness of breath, bronchitis and cardiovascular diseases. Benzene, as a component of the aerosol, increases the risk of cancer. Direct contact with the droplets causes chemical burns, allergic reactions and dermatitis, which significantly worsens the health of the local population.
Oil slicks form a film on the surface of water bodies, which blocks oxygen access and leads to mass fish deaths. The water becomes undrinkable, creating critical problems in supplying the population with clean water. Soil contamination with toxic substances reduces fertility by killing off micro-organisms, whilst the accumulation of toxins in plants poses a threat to human health via the food chain.
Soot and acidic compounds contained in oil droplets scorch leaves, damaging crops and forests. This leads to a decline in crop yields and a deterioration in the region’s environmental condition. The damage to agriculture can have long-term consequences, affecting food security and the economy.
Risks and prospects for the future development of the situation
As a result of the ongoing hostilities and attacks on critical infrastructure, the likelihood of further environmental contamination by oil products is increasing. This poses additional challenges for medical and environmental services, and exacerbates the negative impact on the lives of the region’s population. The Russian authorities are keeping silent and pretending that no disaster has occurred.
