Iran calls on regional states to boost environmental cooperation

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani here on Saturday underlined that safeguarding environment has always stood atop the agenda of his administration, and urged the regional counties to do their best in dealing with the dust pollution problem in the region.
Addressing the staff of Department of Environment on the occasion of the World Environment Week starting from May 31, the President underscored that his government gives priority to settlement of environmental problems.
He further added that resolution of dust pollution problem needs regional, international collaboration.
President Rouhani asked regional countries including Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia to help resolve dust pollution problem.
Western Iran is often struck by dust storms in the summer, which blow from the deserts of Iraq.
During sandstorms, the dust in the atmosphere and consequent haze become 17 times more than the standard level, interrupting activity in the stricken area.
Meantime, Iranian researchers' studies have found silicon dioxide, calcium, potassium, carbon, and other elements in the haze, which could damage the respiratory system of those breathing the air.
The dangers such pollution has posed to human respiratory and cardiac systems have prompted Iranian officials to close schools, universities and offices in order to encourage people to remain at home.