Air pollution rises across Iran with Isfahan identified as most affected region

Air pollution levels have increased across several Iranian provinces, with Isfahan identified as the most polluted region due to the high number of unhealthy areas. Major pollution hubs include Isfahan, Khuzestan, Tehran, and Ilam, primarily driven by PM2.5 particulate matter.

In Isfahan, several locations including Mobarakeh, Foladshahr, and Khomeyni Shahr recorded unhealthy air quality for all age groups. In Khuzestan, multiple cities such as Ahvaz, Dezful, and Shush also faced significant pollution. The Ilam gas refinery station recorded a high index of 200 due to sulfur dioxide, while Asaluyeh in the south also reported unhealthy levels.

In Tehran, atmospheric instability led to an increase in pollutants, shifting the air quality from acceptable to unhealthy for sensitive groups in areas like Siman, Salamat, and Shahriar.

Conversely, cleaner air was concentrated in the eastern part of the country. Nikshahr in Sistan and Baluchestan and Chalous in Mazandaran were among the cleanest cities recorded during this period.