Scientific keynote from the Director of the Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR)

Air pollution is recognized as one of the most critical health risk factors worldwide. Exposure to air pollution significantly increases the risk of both acute and chronic diseases and is associated with elevated mortality rates. A substantial portion of the global burden of disease attributed to environmental risk factors is directly linked to air pollution exposure. The importance of air quality is underscored by the inclusion of three air pollution-related indicators within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Indicator 3.9.1 (mortality rate attributed to ambient and household air pollution) under Goal 3, Indicator 11.6.2 (annual mean concentration of PM2.5 in cities) under Goal 11, and Indicator 7.1.2 (proportion of the population relying on clean fuels) under Goal 7.

In our country, as in many others, air pollution presents a significant challenge for policymakers. The pervasive exposure to polluted air has imposed considerable health and economic burdens on the nation. In response to the urgent need for research on air pollution—identified as a primary environmental risk factor—and its health impacts, the Environmental Research Institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences established the CAPR.

The CAPR operates with a collaborative governance model, leveraging the expertise of dedicated and skilled researchers, and is equipped with advanced physical and laboratory facilities as well as independent financial resources. It functions as a scientific and technical resource for the health system, providing evidence-based guidance for decision-making and policy formulation regarding air pollution and related domains. The center is recognized as one of the leading scientific research institutions in the country, collaborating actively with the World Health Organization and other prominent international organizations.

The center is also committed to fostering collaborations with other research institutions and esteemed universities at the national, regional, and international levels.