Owing to the extreme air pollution in Tehran, schoolchildren and a few government officials have been told to stay at home. Major cities are affected by the “red warning” for harmful air quality, which goes beyond the nation’s capital, according to news agency AFP. Since Sunday, kindergartens and schools in Tehran have closed. In its substitute, authorities announced, online classes will be held. The governor’s office urged those who were considered “sensitive”—older adults, children, and expectant mothers—to avoid exercising outside.
“Tehran has had nine days of clean air” only, the service concerning the air quality said.
In a nation of roughly 85 million people, statistics stated that pollution claimed the lives of about 40,000 people annually. Experts warned of the serious health and economic effects of pollution.
Mehdi Pirhadi and Soudeh Nadjafi, two members of the city council, have brought attention to “burning mazout” in a few of Tehran’s power plants as a significant source of the city’s pollution.
“Electricity supplies have become more dependent on thermal and gas power plants, which naturally increases the sources of air pollution,” environmental expert Sadegh Partani averred, further adding, “Turning to new and sustainable sources of energies, such as solar, is one of the best ways to reduce air pollution caused by electricity producing industries.”
Azam Keyvan, a 40-year-old civil servant, mentioned in conversation with AFP, “The situation is horrible. My throat itches as soon as I go out into the street.” Saeed Sattari, a 42-year-old street vendor in Tehran averred, “We can’t breathe any
