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TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's state TV says Tehran's schools, universities and government offices will be closed for two days because of high air pollution in the capital.
The broadcast Monday quoted Tehran governor Morteza Tamaddon as saying that banks and hospitals will remain open to provide services to the residents of the smog-filled capital.
Such closures come at least once a year in the fall because of dangerous air pollution levels.
The air over Iran's capital is among the most polluted in the world. Experts say many Iranians suffer serious health problems as a result.
The TV report said ambulances and buses have been stationed at crowded parts of the capital for emergency assistance. Authorities have urged the elderly and children to stay home because of the health hazards of being outdoors.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
