Pollution in Iran hospitalises dozens

More than 50 people have been admitted to hospital in southern Iran after air pollution levels spiked, an Iranian newspaper reported.

The pro-reform Arman daily quoted the head of provincial health department, Mohammad Hossein Sarmast, as saying that at least 5,000 people rushed to hospitals in the city of Ahvaz seeking medical assistance after pollution levels increased following lightning strikes and heavy rain at the weekend.

The paper also cited another health official, Mohammad Alavi, as saying that acid rain may have caused symptoms such as shortness of breath among those admitted to hospitals.

Ahvaz is located in the oil-rich province of Khuzestan, which is dotted with oil wells and factories, and is among Iran’s most polluted cities.