Implementation of the Clean Air Act, the Main Solution to Combat Air Pollution

Dr. Kazem Nedafi Discusses Clean Air Act and Solutions to Reduce Air Pollution

According to webda and the Public Relations Office of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, the Institute for Environmental Research, the head of the Institute for Environmental Research, Dr. Kazem Nadafi, referred to the increase in air pollution during the cold months of the year, stating: "Every year, during the fall and winter seasons, due to atmospheric stability, we witness the accumulation and increase in air pollutant concentration in Tehran and large industrial cities."

He considered the implementation of the Clean Air Act to be the fundamental solution to this issue and added: "The Clean Air Act emphasizes the development of clean public transportation, replacing old vehicles, controlling stationary sources of air pollution such as power plants, and providing standard fuel for these sources. The accurate implementation of this act is the only way to achieve sustainable air pollution reduction."

Recommendations for Reducing the Adverse Health Effects of Air Pollution

The former head of the Environmental and Occupational Health Center at the Ministry of Health provided recommendations for reducing the impact of air pollution on vulnerable groups and said: "Individuals with heart and lung diseases, children, and the elderly should avoid long or strenuous outdoor activities. Other individuals should also reduce these activities."

He further explained the types of long and strenuous activities, saying: "Activities such as extended gardening or intense exercise that lead to rapid and deep breathing will allow a greater volume of pollutants to enter the lungs and should be limited."

The Role of Individuals in Reducing Air Pollution

The faculty member of Tehran University of Medical Sciences emphasized the importance of individual actions in reducing air pollution and its exposure, stating: "The use of personal vehicles should be minimized, and at home, it is better not to keep the gas burner on for prolonged periods when cooking, as this increases indoor air pollutants. Postpone cooking time-consuming meals to days with cleaner air."

He also considered the use of fireplaces inappropriate on polluted days and said: "Fireplaces can introduce a large amount of pollutants into the indoor air, and it is better not to use them."

Proper Nutrition to Combat Air Pollution Exposures

Dr. Naddafi stressed the importance of proper nutrition on polluted days, saying: "Consuming fresh vegetables, bell peppers, citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, and tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants, can help reduce the harmful effects of air pollution on the body."

Effectiveness of Air Purifiers in Reducing Exposure to Air Pollution

Dr. Naddafi explained the impact of air purifiers on reducing exposure in indoor environments, saying: "Indoor air pollution reduction devices that operate mechanically and have filters are much more effective. According to experiments, these devices can decrease from 70 to 80 percent of exposures to particulate matter in indoor environments."

He advised buyers: "When purchasing air purifiers, make sure the filtering method is the core of the device's function, as electrical methods are not as effective."