The Air Quality Control Company of Tehran announced on Saturday, December 28, that the city’s air quality index (AQI) has reached 103, a level deemed unhealthy and threatening to sensitive groups. However, the situation in the greater Tehran region is far worse. For instance, the air pollution index in Islamshahr hit an alarming 500, indicating a toxic and extremely hazardous state.
Manipulating Air Quality Data
Tehran residents have experienced only five clean days since the beginning of 2024. Some experts allege that government agencies, in an effort to avoid factory closures, school shutdowns, and the potential for protests, manipulate air quality data. These agencies reportedly use questionable calculation methods or rely on air quality stations located at higher altitudes, which tend to report lower pollution levels.
The Cost of Air Pollution: A Growing Health Crisis
On Saturday, Alireza Raisi, Deputy Health Minister of Iran’s Ministry of Health, revealed that air pollution claimed the lives of at least 40,000 Iranians in the past year, a 12% increase from 2022. The primary culprit behind this alarming statistic is the widespread use of mazut—a heavy, low-quality fuel oil—in the country’s power plants. A nationwide fuel shortage has forced the closure of 13 power plants and driven authorities to turn to mazut, as well as another controversial product: petrochemical gasoline.
The Return of Petrochemical Gasoline
Petrochemical gasoline, often referred to as “non-standard gasoline,” is notorious for its carcinogenic properties. Its benzene and toluene levels significantly exceed acceptable standards, making it a severe health hazard. Even officials within the regime have acknowledged the production of this substandard fuel.
In May 2024, Tejarat News reported on a $2.7 billion government contract with petrochemical companies to produce gasoline, describing this product as “one of the most polluting types of gasoline.” Similarly, in December 2023, Masoumeh Ebtekar, former head of Iran’s environmental organization, warned of the return of petrochemical gasoline to the market. She highlighted how its use had previously resulted in benzene levels in Tehran’s air being several hundred times the legal limit.
The Economic and Political Roots of Pollution
Sanctions and the regime’s policy of maintaining low gasoline prices have exacerbated Tehran’s air pollution. The subsidized product produced in Iranian refineries is cheaper but far more polluting than standard gasoline. Additionally, the regime’s failure to implement the Clean Air Law, coupled with its reliance on mazut and diesel in power plants, has compounded the crisis. Low-quality vehicles and the lack of a robust program to scrap outdated cars further contribute to the deteriorating air quality.
According to the Deputy Health Minister, 11 million out of 12 million motorcycles and 2.5 million out of 14 million cars in Iran are worn out. These aging vehicles play a significant role in the country’s air pollution, which inflicts an estimated $12 billion in annual financial damage.
Health Impacts: A Looming Catastrophe
Dr. Arman Sorani Yancheshmeh, a neurosurgeon, recently warned about the long-term health implications of air pollution. He stated that seven million Iranians are at risk of developing brain tumors due to prolonged exposure to toxic air. With air pollution already claiming tens of thousands of lives annually, the health crisis is reaching catastrophic levels.
Urgent Need for Action
The Iranian regime’s reliance on temporary fixes and lack of transparency only deepen the air pollution crisis. Addressing this issue requires immediate and comprehensive measures, including transitioning to cleaner energy sources, enforcing environmental laws, and modernizing the transportation sector. Without such actions, the health and well-being of millions of Iranians will remain under threat, and the financial and human costs will continue to escalate.
