Dust and haze put air quality in several Iranian cities in unhealthy condition

Government officials in several Iranian cities reported air pollution and unhealthy air conditions in these areas.

The level of dust and air pollution on Sunday, June 4, in several cities in Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces, as well as in Mashhad, was reported to be severely high, and a number of citizens were taken to medical centers.

The governor of Rigan in Kerman province, referring to the fact that the dust concentration level in this county has reached 9 times the permitted limit, announced the closure of government offices in this city and said Rigan is the second dust center in the country after Khuzestan, and this phenomenon has caused respiratory problems for the residents of this county and surrounding villages and has sent at least 21 people to medical centers.

Also, the acting director of the General Crisis Management Department of Kerman province announced the closure of kindergartens, government offices, and all administrative bodies and public institutions located in Kerman city, except for medical and rescue centers.

The director general of environmental protection of Kerman province also reported the closure of operations that increase air pollution severity and said: “Today we closed mines, stone crushers, and all activities that lead to increased air pollution.”

Reports also indicate a very unhealthy air quality condition in Mashhad. City authorities have recommended people with heart and lung diseases, children, and the elderly to stay indoors as much as possible.

In Sistan and Baluchestan province, a storm accompanied by dust and soil has raised the concentration level of suspended particles in the air of the northern counties of this province to more than 11 times the permitted limit.

Among the reasons for air pollution in Iran are environmental degradation, lack of water consumption management, and drought.