During the forty-second meeting of the Air Pollution Committee, Dr. Abbas Shahsoni emphasized the profound health implications of air pollution, revealing compelling statistics. Research demonstrates that 6.5% of heart attacks, 8% of strokes, and 11% of lung cancer cases are attributable to air pollution.
Dr. Shahsoni expanded on this, stating, “Annually, we lose 486,682 years of life due to air pollution, necessitating urgent attention.” He underscored the gravity of the situation, adding, “The premature deaths resulting from air pollution cost the nation approximately $5.7 billion every year. The Ministries of Industry and Oil must take decisive action. The Ministry of Industry claims the fuel produced is not up to standard, while the Ministry of Oil argues that the manufactured cars are substandard.”
He stressed, “This is a matter of public health and must be treated with utmost seriousness. All of this incurs a cost, and if we claim to be constrained by sanctions and fail to address this issue, we will pay the price in other crucial areas, notably public health.”
The head of the Clean Air and Climate Change Group at the Ministry of Health added, “The Ministry of Industry has pre-sold Euro 4 cars, which it is obligated to deliver in two months. The question arises: given its history of failing to raise standards, how does it plan to elevate the standards of these vehicles in such a short timeframe?”
He concluded, “Certainly, the issue of air pollution is not unique to our country. Many nations have effectively dealt with it, and we should also approach this matter with the utmost seriousness and commitment.”
