Death of 26,000 Iranians Due to Air Pollution; A Member of Parliament: Diesel Used in Power Plants is 'Equivalent to Mazut'

Following the intensification of the air pollution crisis and the emergency situation in Iran's metropolitan areas, a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly described the diesel used in power plants as substandard and 'equivalent to mazut.' An environmental official also announced that since the year 1401 (2022), approximately 26,000 people have lost their lives due to air pollution. Alireza Abbasi, a member of the Agricultural Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, revealed on December 4, citing reports from the ministries of energy, oil, and environment, that the sulfur content in the diesel consumed by power plants is ten times the standard limit. In response to claims by some officials denying 'mazut burning in Tehran,' Abbasi told state media that even assuming the ban on mazut is valid, the diesel or fuel currently used in power plants does not meet the necessary standards, and its harmful impact on increasing air pollution is equivalent to that of mazut. He referred to the illegal use of 'mazut consumption' in the Fardis power plant, stating that although mazut tanks had been sealed two years ago, they were gradually used again on days when air pollution was not present. Abbasi expressed concern over the non-compliance of the ministries of oil, environment, and energy with the Clean Air Law, citing reports showing a high percentage of diesel fuel components. On the other hand, the head of the National Air and Climate Change Center of the Environmental Protection Organization announced that over 26,000 people in 33 cities have died due to air pollution since 1401, adding that in Tehran alone, there have been 6,000 deaths attributed to air pollution. He further stated that according to the Ministry of Health, the financial damages resulting from deaths due to air pollution are estimated at $11.3 billion nationwide and $3 billion in Tehran. The public's severe concern over the air pollution crisis has also been widely reflected on social media. A photo shared by a user named Payam Hamzei of Tehran's Milad Tower, which is barely visible due to air pollution, attracted attention on the social media platform X. One user, sharing this photo, likened the level of air pollution to 'a gas chamber the size of Iran.' Pouya Jigarvand, a civil activist, also compared the situation to 'Chernobyl,' stating that the deaths of dozens due to air pollution are not 'an environmental incident' but 'a plan to kill people.' In recent days, various cities in Iran have been facing a severe air pollution crisis, and in some cities such as Tehran, in addition to declaring an 'emergency' air condition for all age groups, schools and educational institutions have also been partially closed and shifted to online learning. According to the 'Clean Air Law,' which was approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly in 1396 (2017) and was supposed to solve the pollution problem in Tehran and metropolitan areas, various executive bodies are required to take actions appropriate to their responsibilities to control air pollution. However, the air pollution problem has worsened in recent years, and Iran ranks eighth in the world in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.