The environment branch of Iran’s ministry of health wants offices, schools and colleges in Tehran to be shut down due to heavy air pollution.

Ministry officials report that Tehran’s air quality has been deteriorating at an alarming rate, and in three letters to the Tehran governor, they have called for the implementation of legal measures to prevent air pollution.

The report indicates that the correspondence has resulted in the establishment of an emergency air pollution committee, which has decided that all schools and public offices are to be shut down.

The ministry officials say the current level of pollution requires that all activities be reduced and all organizations and offices remain closed until air quality is normalized.

Meteorological reports indicate that severe air pollution will linger in Tehran until next Saturday.

Radio Zamaneh