Intensified Air Pollution in 5 Major Cities of Iran; Environmental Expert: People's Health is Not a Concern for the Government

Emergency services in Iran have been put on high alert due to intensified air pollution in Tehran and four other major cities. In this regard, Nasser Karami, an environmental expert, told Voice of America that the Islamic Republic has abandoned the issue of air pollution. According to ISNA news agency, Jafar Miadfar, head of the Emergency Organization, stated on Tuesday, November 14, that it is predicted that air quality in Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, Ahvaz, and Arak will deteriorate again on Wednesday, November 15, and also on Thursday morning, November 16. As a result, 'all emergency bases and centers in these five major cities are on full alert.' He mentioned that emergency ambulances will be stationed in 'population centers and squares' of these five cities during these days. The head of the Emergency Organization also recommended that 'people with respiratory, cardiovascular, and underlying diseases,' as well as 'the elderly, children, and pregnant women, should avoid outdoor spaces' and refrain from 'strenuous activities.' In this context, Mohammad Ismail Tavakoli, head of the Tehran Emergency Center, also told ISNA that 'ambulance buses and mobile clinics' will be stationed in the squares of 'Azadi, Enghelab, and Tajrish.' A study has shown that various types of pollution claim the lives of '9 million people' worldwide each year. This research states that 'toxic air and polluted water and soil' pose a threat to human health and the planet and jeopardize 'the sustainability of modern societies.' Nasser Karami, the environmental expert, stated to Voice of America regarding the ongoing intensification of air pollution in Iranian cities that the Islamic Republic has abandoned the issue of air pollution, and the health of the people is no longer a concern for the government.