Tehran - Iranian Government Closes Offices, Schools In 2-Day Smog Holiday

[hatrack]

TEHRAN, Iran – For the second time in a month, heavy air pollution in Iran's smog-filled capital has forced authorities to close government offices and schools and declare a two-day public holiday because of the health dangers of being outdoors.

A government committee decided pollution levels in Tehran warranted the closure of all government offices, schools and industries on Wednesday and Thursday because of "polluted and unhealthy" conditions. Critics say each holiday incurs about $130 million in financial losses.

The air over Iran's capital is among the most polluted in the world, and health experts say many Iranians suffer serious health problems as a result.

Most of the pollution comes from vehicles on the congested roads of the rapidly growing metropolis of more than 12 million people, and the level of pollutants far exceeds World Health Organization standards. Each year, the 1.4 million vehicles in the city pump an estimated 5 million tons of CO2 into the air, according to the Tehran mayor's office.

EDIT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101201/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iran_pollution

[pscot]

1. Tehran is also looking at

water shortages.