Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 30 / Trend, S. Isayev, T. Jafarov
Approximately 2700 people in Tehran die each year because of heavy air pollution in the country, Healthcare and Medical Education ministry's head of environment protection center, Kazem Nadafi said, ISNA reported.
Nadafi made the remarks at today's meeting of Iran's national committee on solving country's air pollution problems.
"Because of air pollution, 2522 patients with cardiovascular diseases and 4525 people with respiratory diseases caused by air pollution, are in hospitals now," he underscored.
Further speaking, Nadafi mentioned 70,000 of old cars that are used in the country, saying the amount of pollution they create equals the pollution level of 2.1 million normal cars.
"If we could adjust the use of old cars, the air pollution level could reduce by 30 percent," he said.
Nadafi also urged for creation of online payments, which would allow Iranians to pay for certain things and services online, without going somewhere by car, thus reducing the air pollution.
"If 40 percent of people would use such services, then the air pollution in Tehran would drop by 12 percent," he said.
Last year, according to PSI (Pollutant Standards Index), Iran had 147 days during which air quality was substandard. Two years ago, this number stood at 217 days.
The air over Iran's capital is amongst the most polluted in the world. Experts say many Iranians suffer serious health problems as a result.
Motor vehicles account for 70 percent of pollution in the Iranian capital. Low quality gasoline and diesel is partially responsible for the problem.