Dust in Iranian Capital Coming from Iraq, Saudi Arabia: Official
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Dust and particles polluting the Iranian capital of Tehran in recent days have been emanating from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, the director-general of Tehran Province’s Environmental Protection Department said.
Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, Mohammad Hadi Heydarzadeh pointed to the sources of the pollution blanketing the capital, saying that in a Tuesday meeting of the Air Pollution Emergencies Coordinating Committee, proper solutions were discussed to protect the health of citizens.
The dust and particles coming from Saudi Arabia and Iraq entered the country through western regions and reached Tehran Province over the past two days, he said, adding that the air conditions in Tehran have improved compared to 48 hours ago.
The Iranian official further called on Saudi and Iraqi environmental officials to take measures necessary to reduce dust storms in the Arab countries.
Iranian residents in the western and southwestern provinces, bordering Iraq, are facing a growing trend in the influx of fine particles, which are generated by drought-hit marshlands in neighboring countries.
The disruptive dust storms have pushed pollution in those border areas to alarming levels, and have also raised health concerns.
The particles, carried by winds, can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing serious diseases such as lung cancer, asthma and heart problems.
