Air pollution hits Tehran early this year.

Although Iranians have to deal with increase amounts of air pollution during winter in the capital, this air pollution has started in the autumn season. Since Saturday the government has closed elementary schools and has advised offices to close almost 2 hrs early due to the increase in air pollution. The senior weather analyst at the Islamic Republic of Iran Meteorological Center believes the pollution comes from vehicles on the congested roads of Tehran which populates more than 13.5 million people.

Air pollution is measured in particle matter of 2.5 microns in diameter or PM 2.5, were clean air is between 0-50, safe air is 50-100, 100-150 is considered not safe, 150-200 is warning while over 200 is emergency level. Sunday Tehran reached over 150 PM 2.5 microns.

Tehran’s Provincial Governor, Hossein Hashemi explained what other measures the government to insure the safety of Iranian citizens especially children during when sharp increases in air pollution occur.

To reduce air pollution last year the government implemented a project which included producing over 40 million liters of gasoline and diesel based on Euro 4 and 5 standards until March of this year.

via PressTV – Air pollution surprises Iranians living in Tehran.