Iran has announced Dec. 1 and 2 as days off in institutions, organizations and schools in Tehran, Rey and Shimiranat due to alarming levels of air pollution. The decision was made by the Cabinet of Ministers, the ILNA news agency reported.
The Cabinet of Ministers made the decision due to the high concentration of pollutants in the air after conferring with the Tehran City Air Pollution Committee.
Tehran also announced Nov. 24 as a day off due to the high level of air pollution.
Military-, emergency-, and service-rendering centers, as well as hospitals, are subject to their own special sets of rules and regulations in such situations.
The NYC Partnership Consulting international rating company published a list of the world's most polluted cities in early 2010. Comparing 245 large cities and capitals, the company compiled a list of the 30 dirtiest cities. The ranking took into account the level of air pollution, the degree of suitability of drinking water, the degree of recovery and recycling of waste, the availability of hospital services and medical supplies, and the presence of infectious diseases. Tehran ranked 29th in the list.