A recent report from the World Health Organization indicates that five cities in the world have the most polluted air, four of which are in India and one, Zabol, is in Iran. According to the report published on Thursday, May 12, Zabol, located in Sistan and Baluchestan province and bordering Afghanistan, ranks 217th in terms of air pollution. To understand the severity of the air quality in Zabol and to get a better picture of its 217th rank, it is useful to compare it with New Delhi's rank. New Delhi, the capital of India, was designated as the most polluted city in the world in 2014 with a rank of 153. According to the latest report from the World Health Organization, which shows air pollution levels for the previous year, 2015, New Delhi improved its position, moving from first to ninth place in terms of pollution. The organization states that over the past five years, global air pollution has increased by eight percent. According to Reuters, after Zabol, four other cities from India are listed among the most polluted places in the world: Gwalior, Allahabad, Patna, and Raipur. Gwalior, which has the second most polluted air after Zabol, is ranked 176th in the WHO report. Inhaling fine dust particles, or dust storms, can lead to lung cancer, various strokes, and heart diseases, as well as symptoms of heart attacks in individuals over time. The World Health Organization reports that more than seven million people die prematurely each year due to air pollution, with three million of these deaths attributed to outdoor air quality. In this context, Mohammad Aghajani, Deputy for Treatment at Iran's Ministry of Health, stated on Wednesday, May 5, at a conference that mortality from heart failure in the country is twice the rate of heart-related deaths in Asia. The World Health Organization identifies major causes of air pollution as the high number of vehicles, especially diesel vehicles, heating and cooling systems in buildings, waste management practices, agriculture, and the use of coal. Khuzestan province and other western provinces of Iran have repeatedly faced severe air pollution and increased dust storms in recent years, which have, on several occasions, led to the closure of entire cities. The transfer of dust storms from neighboring countries such as Jordan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, along with water scarcity and the gradual drying of western Iran's lands, are cited as factors contributing to increased air pollution.
World Health Organization: Zabol Has the Most Polluted Air in the World
The World Health Organization's recent report reveals that Zabol, Iran, has the most polluted air in the world, ranking 217th in air quality. This highlights a significant environmental crisis in Iran, exacerbated by factors such as vehicle emissions and regional dust storms. The report underscores the urgent need for action to address air quality issues in the country.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The World Health Organization reported that Zabol, Iran, has the most polluted air in the world, ranking 217th in air quality. This highlights severe air quality issues in Iran, particularly due to dust storms and vehicle emissions.
- Zabol is located in Sistan and Baluchestan province, bordering Afghanistan.
- Air pollution contributes to over seven million premature deaths globally each year.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Air pollution is a significant health risk globally, and Iran faces unique challenges due to its geography and industrial practices. Dust storms and vehicle emissions are major contributors to poor air quality.
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