The average air pollution index in 30 provincial capitals at noon on Saturday, 28 November, was 116 units, while the air quality index in Tehran reached 156 units. According to data from the National Air Quality Monitoring System, in the 24 hours leading up to noon on Saturday, 28 November, the air in 37 locations across 10 provinces was categorized as unhealthy for all groups. These figures are based on data from active monitoring stations affiliated with the Environmental Protection Organization, and the limited distribution of these stations across the country may result in an underestimation of the number of polluted areas.

Ilam, with an index of 259 units at noon on Saturday, was recorded as the most polluted location in the country. It was followed by Qarchak in Tehran Province with 192 units; Baqershahr in Tehran Province with 184 units; Shushtar in Khuzestan Province with 184 units; Bonab in East Azerbaijan Province with 179 units; Hoveyzeh in Khuzestan Province with 179 units; and Dargaz in Razavi Khorasan Province with 178 units — all listed among the most polluted points recorded.

The recent rise in air pollution led to online schooling and remote work in many cities, including Tehran. Meanwhile, the traffic police enforced the odd–even license plate scheme starting from residential areas in major cities such as Tehran. Although these measures reduced vehicle movement in the city, they failed to produce a significant effect on lowering pollutant concentrations. This situation stems from the burning of mazut (heavy fuel oil) in industries, power plants, and refineries, as well as the use of low-quality diesel in heavy vehicles. Therefore, this type of pollution cannot be controlled merely by remote work or reducing the use of passenger cars.

Since the main source of the current pollution in many cities is attributed to mazut burning, short-term winds cannot be expected to resolve the issue. Prolonged air pollution exposes citizens to several major health risks: the first is an increased likelihood of developing dementia; the second is a higher risk of diabetes due to reduced physical activity; the third is depression caused by repeated days of staying indoors; the fourth is worsening symptoms of cardiovascular diseases and increased reliance on medication; and the fifth is a higher incidence of respiratory infections.

Source: Donya-e-Eqtessad