Warning Over Dangerous Ozone Concentration in Tehran
The deputy head of the Environmental Protection Organization says that although Tehran’s air appears blue and clean, the ozone index in the capital has exceeded 130. Ozone at concentrations higher than 100 poses serious risks to the respiratory system.
Masoud Tajrishi, deputy for “human environment” at Iran’s Environmental Protection Organization, expressed concern over the rising ozone pollutant index in Tehran and asked relevant authorities to prioritize ozone control measures in their agenda.
On Wednesday, July 3, Mr. Tajrishi pointed out during a national meeting on reducing air pollution that Tehran’s air has been unhealthy on several days since March due to increased ozone pollutant levels. According to ISNA news agency quoting him: “Although Tehran’s air appears clean and the sky is blue, the ozone pollutant index has risen alarmingly. In fact, two days ago, the ozone index in Tehran reached over 130.”
He asked relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Health, to review ways to control the ozone pollutant and provide necessary warnings and recommendations to the public to minimize related damage.
Ozone is a summer pollutant and the product of oxidation and chemical reactions of pollutants from cars, factories, power plants, and refineries in sunlight. For this reason, in summer and midday hours, ozone concentration reaches its maximum levels.
Ozone at concentrations higher than 100 has a very destructive effect on the mucous membranes and respiratory organs of living organisms and causes asthma attacks and reduced lung function. Approximately 40 percent of ozone is absorbed in the nose and throat, but 60 percent reaches deep into the lungs.
The deputy of the Environmental Protection Organization announced that on some days, ozone concentration in Tehran is high from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it should be examined what the index of this concentration is in other cities.
During the air pollution reduction working group meeting, the CEO of the Air Quality Control Company stated that one of the reasons for the rising ozone pollutant index has been the reduction of suspended particles. According to ISNA news agency quoting Hossein Shahidzadeh: “We must be careful that suspended particles in the air cause the intensity of solar radiation to decrease. Since there have been fewer suspended particles produced this year, the intensity of solar radiation has also increased.”
Mohsen Poorseyyed Aqaei, deputy for transportation and traffic at Tehran Municipality, also mentioned during this meeting the circulation of 1.7 million worn and carbureted motorcycles in Tehran as a violation of the clean air law and one of the reasons for increasing the ozone index.
Ozone is one of the most important air pollutants alongside sulfur dioxide and nitrogen monoxide. Ozone is also produced and released into the air through air purification devices, UV lamps, photocopier machines, and laser printers. Children, active adults, and people with lung diseases should avoid staying in areas where ozone concentration is high.
Source: DW
