The air in several cities of Khuzestan Province has reached the red alert level, meaning it is unhealthy for all groups. In Isfahan and Mashhad, air quality is reported to be at an orange level, unhealthy for sensitive groups.
According to air quality monitoring data on Friday, October 24, the city of Hoveyzeh, with an air quality index (AQI) of 158, is classified as “unhealthy for all groups” and is currently the most polluted location in Khuzestan Province.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is divided into five main categories: 0–50 represents clean air, 51–100 indicates moderate air quality, 101–150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 is unhealthy for everyone, 201–300 is very unhealthy, and 301–500 represents hazardous air conditions.
The cities of Behbahan and Khorramshahr recorded AQI levels of 152 and 151, respectively, placing them in the red alert zone.
Experts have warned that fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns—about one-thirtieth the diameter of a human hair—can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological problems.
Warning in Khuzestan, Rising Pollution in Tehran
While Khuzestan is under an air pollution alert, Tehran’s air quality index is also on the rise.
Reports indicate that on the first Friday of November, Tehran’s air quality index reached 108, placing it in the orange zone—unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Over the past 24 hours, the average AQI in Tehran was 99, which is considered acceptable.
According to data from the Tehran Air Quality Control Company, the capital had only 10 days of acceptable air quality in October, while 19 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups and one day was unhealthy for all groups.
The most polluted day of the month was October 2, when the AQI reached 181 due to particulate matter smaller than 10 microns.
For most polluted days in October, Tehran’s main pollutant was fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns, which was responsible for reduced air quality on 20 out of 30 days that month.
Situation in Other Cities
Based on data from 13 active monitoring stations, Isfahan’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 121, indicating orange alert conditions—unhealthy for sensitive groups.
In Mashhad, the 24-hour average AQI was 124, also reflecting unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups.
In recent weeks, multiple cities across various Iranian provinces have been struggling with air pollution and dust storms, disrupting residents’ daily lives.
Over the past years, air pollution levels have repeatedly reached critical points, and the spread of dust particles has worsened Iran’s environmental crises and public health threats.
Despite the worsening situation, Iran’s regime has failed to present a coherent or sustainable plan to control and manage this crisis.
