Tehran Air Unhealthy for All Groups

Tehran’s Air Quality index rose to reach 173 on Monday evening that was unhealthy for all groups.

The AQI on Sunday stood at 144, which is translated as unhealthy for sensitive groups (children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory and cardiovascular problems).

Stable weather conditions are forecast to remain until Tuesday leading to the accumulation of pollutants in most metropolises. 

Meanwhile, Tehran authorities introduced the same old emergency measures to prevent the emission of more pollutants.

The workgroup to reduce Tehran's air pollution announced the closure of kindergartens, pre-schools and primary schools in all counties except Pardis, Damavand and Firuzkouh on Monday.

Traffic restrictions were also enforced based on which cars with plate numbers ending in an odd figure were banned from plying the streets and the sale of daily permits for entry into the restricted zone was suspended for the day, Zist Online reported.

According to Kioumars Kalantari, head of Tehran's Department of Environment, trucks was not allowed to enter the city on Monday and the entry of polluting and old heavy vehicles and those with no technical inspection license was announced forbidden until Feb. 20.

Moreover, "sand and gravel mines, asphalt and cement factories and other polluting activities were prohibited."

The traffic police were tasked to exert stricter control over polluting vehicles and those lacking technical inspection.

Tehran Emergency center was also placed on standby to serve the residents in case of a health problem.

Kalantari said that the measures were implemented only on Monday and in case the poor air quality persists, new decisions would be made by the workgroup.