The Health and Climate Change Department of the Ministry of Health in Iran has disclosed that 14% of the country's natural deaths are attributed to air pollution.

Department head, Abbas Shahsavani, also said Tehran holds the 19th position globally in terms of suspended particle concentration, placing it among the worst capitals worldwide.

“The average concentration of suspended particles in Iran was revealed to be 7.6 times higher than the World Health Organization guidelines and more than three times the national standard,” he added.

Alarming findings from studies indicate that for 107 days of the past year, weather conditions in Tehran were deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups, with 36 days considered unhealthy for the general population.

Globally, the impact of air pollution on mortality stands at an average of 11.65%, shedding light on the severity of the issue.

The revelation comes amid recent protests against mazut burning in several Iranian cities. Mazut, recognized as the most polluting fossil fuel, has been utilized in Iran's industries and power plants during the second half of each year due to a shortage of natural gas.

Despite mounting concerns, authorities in the Islamic Republic have not provided transparent explanations for the use of mazut, with some even denying its burning. The CEO of the Ramin Power Plant in the southern city of Ahvaz confirmed the use of mazut in one of its production units, citing the "approval of the Supreme National Security Council."

Further confirmation came from the Director-General of the Environmental Protection Organization of Markazi Province, acknowledging mazut burning at the Shahzand Power Plant in Arak.