An official from Iran's Environmental Protection Organization emphasized the pollution caused by distributed gasoline in the country and reported that 26,000 people die annually due to air pollution. The head of the National Center for Air and Climate Change stated to the 'Khabar Online' website that a Ministry of Health study revealed over 26,000 'pollution-related deaths' were recorded last year in 33 cities, with damages amounting to $11.3 billion. According to Daryoush Golalizadeh, air pollution alone caused 6,000 deaths in Tehran last year, resulting in $3 billion in damages. This official identified gasoline and low-quality domestic vehicles as the main culprits of air pollution, stating that 'there are nearly seven million old vehicles in the country, and their number and age increase every year.' These statements and the high mortality rate from air pollution come at a time when the government only closes schools during severe pollution episodes, while experts believe pollution is harmful to all age groups. In this context, the 'Fars' news agency quoted Masoud Mardani, a professor at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, stating that 'air pollution is even more harmful than COVID-19, as the effects of air pollution include infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, diseases affecting the central nervous system, and cancer.' However, the Islamic Republic government, instead of finding solutions and addressing the issue fundamentally during emergencies, merely attempts to cover up the problem. In this case, with the intensification of air pollution in Tehran, media reported disruptions in the Tehran air quality index website, noting that 'the source of this malfunction is unclear.' Accordingly, the 'Fararu' website headlined, 'Did the air quality index site in Tehran malfunction or was it shut down?' Roozbeh Eskandari, an environmental expert, recently told Voice of America that the intensification of air pollution in Iran, especially in the metropolises of Tehran and Isfahan, is due to the widespread burning of mazut and the non-implementation of the 'Clean Air Law.' Eskandari also attributed the release of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and soot to the burning of mazut in Iranian refineries, adding, 'These factors cause the persistence of the pollution umbrella in Iran's metropolises, leading to various diseases among the population.' The intensification of air pollution in Iran has sparked reactions: 'Death is everywhere.' Air pollution in Iran has peaked; burning mazut is the main cause. Air pollution is a new educational challenge; 40% of study time is lost due to weather conditions. Intensification of air pollution in five Iranian metropolises; an environmental expert states: 'The health of the people is not a concern for the government.'
An Official Reports: 26,000 Annual Deaths Due to Air Pollution
An Iranian environmental official reported that 26,000 people die each year due to air pollution, primarily caused by low-quality gasoline and vehicles. The government has been criticized for only closing schools during pollution spikes instead of addressing the root causes. This situation highlights the severe public health crisis and governmental inaction regarding environmental issues.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
An Iranian environmental official reported that air pollution causes 26,000 deaths annually, primarily due to low-quality gasoline and old vehicles. The government has faced criticism for inadequate responses to this public health crisis.
- 26,000 pollution-related deaths were recorded last year in 33 cities.
- Air pollution caused $11.3 billion in damages, with Tehran alone accounting for 6,000 deaths.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Air pollution in Iran is a chronic issue, primarily caused by outdated vehicles and industrial practices. The government has been criticized for its inadequate response to environmental challenges.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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