All schools in Tehran are closed because of pollution

Stuck in Tehran

Since today, about 2 million students in the Iranian capital have unexpectedly taken a two-day break because all schools and kindergartens in the city received orders to close. The reason is that the level of air pollution here has reached a dangerous level.

The Tehran government advises children, the elderly and people with cardiovascular and lung diseases not to go out at this time. Currently in the city there are about 3 million cars of all kinds, two thirds of which have been used for more than 20 years and do not have a modern exhaust filter.

It is estimated that Tehran has about 5,000 deaths every year because of air pollution. Iran's capital has been heavily influenced by dirt and smoke since the beginning of this month. Local authorities said that motor vehicles are the culprit causing pollution and urging people not to use their own vehicles but to transfer to public transport.

Gray smoke covered the Iranian capital

In recent days, emergencies have been caused by sudden air pollution in respiratory hospitals in Tehran.

Iranian national television did not disclose the exact level of pollution but said that the amount of carbon monoxide and other toxins in the air in Tehran has reached alarming levels.

Scientists say Tehran's geographic location lies in the middle of high mountains. If there is no wind or rain, the polluted air will be stuck above the city.

Government