TEHRAN — The Iranian capital is experiencing what officials say is the worst pollution in its history, prompting the government to shutter offices and consider placing air purifiers across the city as it seeks to combat the brown blanket of smog.
The weeks of heavy pollution are taking a serious toll on residents of Tehran. Hospitals are reporting a strong increase in patients with breathing problems. Government offices have been closed for three days in the past three weeks, and schools and universities have been shuttered for at least six days.
Tightly embraced by one of the highest mountain ranges in the Middle East and filled with millions of cars, Tehran has grappled for decades with air pollution. But this year, as the capital and other Iranian cities struggle with extreme pollution, many are blaming a new, locally produced form of gasoline.
The product is the result of an emergency plan to prevent fuel shortages after the U.S. Congress in July approved sanctions that punish foreign firms that provide gasoline to Iran.
With the weather not expected to change soon, at least 10 crop-duster planes were to fly over the capital Monday, dumping water and, officials hope, creating wind channels through the smog that would carry the pollution away, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
The government also has proposed installing 100 air purifiers in the most polluted places in the city.
The Washington Post
