TEHRAN — The recent sand and dust storms have increased the PM 2.5 fine particles concentration to a ‘beyond hazardous’ level in the southwestern city of Ahwaz, Khuzestan province, on Tuesday.

According to Khuzestan provincial department of environment the fine dust concentration has jumped to 60 times above the recommended limits once again over the past months.

While the normal level of pollution should not exceed 150 micrograms per cubic meter it increased to 9,000 micrograms per cubic meter at 2 p.m. local time in Ahwaz.

Other southeastern cities of Sousangerd, Mahshahr, Hamidiyeh, Omidiyeh, Abadan, and Dezful are affected by hazardous levels of fine particles as well, Khabaronline reported. 

MQ/MG