Iran (IMNA) - Air pollution in many cities across Iran is still at illegal levels. Congestion and traffic-related pollution in cities continue to be the primary source of pollution; however, a growing concern is burning mazut in some power plants that do not have the facilities to blend or break it down into more conventional petro-chemicals. Mazut is a highly polluting heavy oil that its burning is less expensive than natural gas.
Addressing air pollution in Isfahan, the Mayor of Isfaha Ali Ghasemzade said, "improving air quality is one of the paramount concerns of urban governance, citizens and those who are passionate about Isfahan."
Saying that administrations in power of improving the situation should help the Municipality to get rid of air pollution, he continued, "part of the situation is bound up with public transportation and the municipal services; however, the Municipality has managed to control and manage this crucial issue so far."
Stressing that all municipal authorities have been obliged to upgrade their systems, the Mayor added, "In this regard, Isfahan Bus Company has adhered to the standards by upgrading fuel quality of the fleet and installing anti- pollution filters. Therefore, people rarely see highly polluting buses throughout the city. If citizens find any smoke-emitting buses in the city, they should report it so that it could be addressed."
"Various types of on-road vehicles within Isfahan streets contribute to an average of 5% of total greenhouse gas emissions. In the past few days, Isfahan Power Plant has undergone a fuel conversion from natural gas to mazut," Ghademzade said.
"All officials and people raise an objection to burning mazut in Isfahan Power Plant disregarding the high air pollution level," he noted.
Imposing mandatory suspensions on polluting industries when the official air quality index exceeds a reading of 200, which is considered “heavily polluted”, would be a possible solution to slash pollution temporarily.
Long term exposure to high levels of air pollution can contribute to someone developing a number of illnesses, such as lung cancer, pulmonary disease and heart disease. It has also been shown to stunt the growth of children's lungs.
The most vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, older people and those with heart and respiratory conditions are the populations being most at risk of health problems related to air pollution.
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