TEHRAN, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Air pollution in Iran's capital Tehran forced authorities to close schools and universities and allow optional remote work on Tuesday and Wednesday, as they moved to protect public health and reduce pollution levels.
The emergency air pollution task force, part of the Interior Ministry, decided on Monday that all classes across Tehran province, except in Firuzkuh county, would shift online, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported. Staff at government and private offices, except those in rescue, health, operational, military, and law enforcement roles, were given the option to work from home.
Banks will operate through a limited number of branches, the report said. Traffic restrictions will run from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., barring private cars from entering designated areas of the city, which is home to about 9 million people.
Truck traffic has also been banned, except for vehicles carrying perishable goods or fuel, as well as sand and gravel mines and cement factories, which have been ordered to halt operations.
Tehran's air quality index on Monday topped 170, a level considered unhealthy for everyone.
Air quality typically worsens in Tehran during the colder months, especially when there is little wind or rain. Temperature inversion is the main cause of the pollution buildup, while emissions from aging vehicles and some factories are seen as major contributors.
