Tehran [Iran], November 30: Authorities in Iran are warning that air pollution in the capital Tehran and several other cities has reached "alarming" levels.
The Air Quality Index in these cities has reached between 170 and 200, which is considered "very unhealthy" and dangerous for all age groups, according to media reports on Saturday.
Environmental officials held an emergency meeting, during which residents were asked to avoid leaving their houses.
Schools and universities have been closed, and several government offices have switched to remote work. Some banks in Tehran have partially closed and are operating on reduced shifts. Traffic police have also imposed restrictions on car use.
According to statistics from the health ministry, over 58,000 people died as a result of air pollution last year.
"The current situation has become very alarming and related diseases are on the rise," Jalal Moussavi, spokesman for the parliamentary environmental commission, told the ISNA news agency. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
