Buenos Aires, November 25 (NA) — Atmospheric pollution in Tehran forced authorities to close schools and universities and to allow optional remote work on Tuesday and Wednesday, as part of measures to protect public health and reduce pollution levels.
As reported by Iran's official news agency IRNA, which was redistributed by Xinhua and accessed by the Argentine News Agency, the Air Pollution Emergency Task Force, part of the Ministry of Interior, decided that all classes in Tehran province would be held online on Tuesday, except in the Firuzkuh district.
Government staff and private office workers, except for those in rescue, health, operations, military, and law enforcement positions, were given the option to work from home.
Banks will only provide service at a limited number of branches, the report added.
Traffic restrictions are in effect
Traffic restrictions will remain in effect from 06:30 to 20:30 local time and will prohibit the entry of vehicles into designated areas of the city, which is home to about nine million people.
The circulation of trucks was also prohibited, except for vehicles carrying perishable goods or fuel.
Sand mines, gravel quarries, and cement factories were ordered to suspend operations.
A dangerous index
The air quality index in Tehran reached 170 today, a level considered harmful to everyone's health.
Air quality typically worsens in Tehran during the colder months, especially when there is little wind or rain.
Temperature inversion is the main cause of pollution accumulation, and emissions from older vehicles and some factories are considered significant contributors.
