Iran's Contamination Woes, From Coronavirus and Tehran Stench to Dead Birds in the North
Health and Science News Blog
It appears that on the 41st anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution, diseases and environmental contamination are bigger threats to the government than the risks of new popular riots (after November's deadly protests) or clashes with the US, Saudi Arabia or Israel.
For example, in the past few months, a mysterious foul stench has spread across the capital city of Tehran. Authorities such as Mohsen Hashemi, head of Tehran's City Council have implied they cannot comment on the true cause of the stench, while others blame the stench on substandard gasoline or liquified gas grades now distributed by the government in light of the shortage caused by sanctions imposed by Donald Trump. The same fuel shortage triggered the riots that resulted in widespread destruction and death. Many Iranian cities are now suffering from unprecedented poor air qualities. This winter, schools have been shut down for days at a time in several provinces.
Separately, hundreds of migratory birds such as flamingos have mysteriously dropped dead from the sky into Torkaman port and the Miankaleh wetlands in Northern Iran. Officials have so far failed or refused to identify the cause but have asked locals to avoid contact with the dead birds.
In the South, torrential rains in the Province of Khuzistan, have caused a persistent overflow of sewage and wastewater into people's homes.
Adding to the regime's headaches, starting two days ago, news of confirmed coronavirus cases in Iran has been shared in the Persian media. Two confirmed cases of coronavirus in the religious city of Qom died in the hospital yesterday and three other cases are now confirmed. Today news of sick people in Tehran subway and around hospitals created panic in social media circles.
There was other bad environmental PR for the government of Iran. This week, Niloufar Bayani, one of the imprisoned environmental activists convicted of espionage accused the Revolutionary Guards of securing forced confessions through torture and threat of rape (news link).
Related to Coronavirus:
Related to Health:
- Elon Musk Supports Sacha Cohen, Tweets #DeleteFacebook: It’s Lame!
- Why is Lifespan Dropping in the US and Iran?
- Ping Pong is The World's Best Brain Sport!
- Global Warming and The Selfish Humans: 200 People in 177 Cars!
- Salmonella Infection Outbreak Linked to Moby Dick House of Kabob
- Video: Stress, Lifestyle and Sugar Shown to Link Diabetes, Depression and Dementia
- Here's to your Health: This Natural Drink Has Helped Diabetic Iranians
- Cancer Towns in America: Some Locals are Fighting But Trump is Not Listening
- Iranian Cleric Blames Enemy for "Diapers that Make Our Children Sterile!"
- This Food is Dear to Every Iranian Heart, According to American Food Reviewer
- US Congresswoman Calls Persian Sangak Her Favorite Bread!
- The Healthiest Diet and Where to Buy It? Convincing Talks by Dariush Mozaffarian and Mohammad Modarres
- Britney Spears and Iranian American Boyfriend Still Facing Turmoil
- Leading Causes of Death in America and Iran (1)
- Better for the Environment and Humans: Advanced Bidets Offer Hygiene and Comfort in Toilet Seats
