Lesya Lytvynova, co-founder of the Kyiv-based charity fund "Ours", explains how to use an oxygen generator while speaking with a son of an elderly man, whose arterial blood oxygen saturation level dropped below 88 percent, in her office in Kyiv, Ukraine November 20, 2020. The charity fund gives free generators to patients suffering respiratory distress, plugging a shortage in Ukraine's healthcare system as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases spike to record levels. Picture taken November 20, 2020. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich 

Lesya Lytvynova, co-founder of the Kyiv-based charity fund "Ours", holds her three-month-old baby as she speaks on the phone in her office in Kyiv, Ukraine November 20, 2020. The charity fund gives free generators to patients suffering respiratory distress, plugging a shortage in Ukraine's healthcare system as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases spike to record levels. Picture taken November 20, 2020. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich 

Lesya Lytvynova, co-founder of the Kyiv-based charity fund "Ours", reacts while speaking on the mobile phone in her office in Kyiv, Ukraine November 20, 2020. The charity fund gives free generators to patients suffering respiratory distress, plugging a shortage in Ukraine's healthcare system as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases spike to record levels. Picture taken November 20, 2020. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich 

Lesya Lytvynova, co-founder of the Kyiv-based charity fund "Ours", explains how to use an oxygen generator while speaking with Olga Sabatiye, whose mother Halyna Panasiuk tested positive for coronavirus, in her office in Kyiv, Ukraine November 20, 2020. The charity fund gives free generators to patients suffering respiratory distress, plugging a shortage in Ukraine's healthcare system as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases spike to record levels. Picture taken November 20, 2020. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich 

Lesya Lytvynova, co-founder of the Kyiv-based charity fund "Ours", holds her three-month-old baby as she works in her office in Kyiv, Ukraine November 20, 2020. The charity fund gives free generators to patients suffering respiratory distress, plugging a shortage in Ukraine's healthcare system as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases spike to record levels. Picture taken November 20, 2020. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich 

Lesya Lytvynova, co-founder of the Kyiv-based charity fund "Ours", unpacks a new oxygen generator in her office in Kyiv, Ukraine November 20, 2020. The charity fund gives free generators to patients suffering respiratory distress, plugging a shortage in Ukraine's healthcare system as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases spike to record levels. Picture taken November 20, 2020. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich 

Stickers with patients' names attached to oxygen generators are seen in the office of Lesya Lytvynova, co-founder of the Kyiv-based charity fund "Ours", in Kyiv, Ukraine November 20, 2020. The charity fund gives free generators to patients suffering respiratory distress, plugging a shortage in Ukraine's healthcare system as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases spike to record levels. Picture taken November 20, 2020. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich 

Lesya Lytvynova, co-founder of the Kyiv-based charity fund "Ours", speaks on the mobile phone in her office in Kyiv, Ukraine November 20, 2020. The charity fund gives free generators to patients suffering respiratory distress, plugging a shortage in Ukraine's healthcare system as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases spike to record levels. Picture taken November 20, 2020. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich 

FILE PHOTO: Jay Y. Lee, Samsung Electronics' vice chairman and the only son of Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee, makes a public apology over the spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) at Samsung Medical Center, at the company's headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, June 23, 2015. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File photo 

Indian policemen get ready to give a gun salute during the funeral of the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Srinagar, January 7, 2016. The leader of India's insurgency-plagued Jammu and Kashmir state and an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi died on Thursday, bringing political uncertainty to the disputed region at the heart of tension between India and Pakistan. Sayeed, 79, died of a respiratory infection after spending the last two weeks in hospital in New Delhi, a spokesman for his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said. REUTERS/Danish Ismail TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Indian policemen pay respect during the funeral of the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Srinagar, January 7, 2016. The leader of India's insurgency-plagued Jammu and Kashmir state and an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi died on Thursday, bringing political uncertainty to the disputed region at the heart of tension between India and Pakistan. Sayeed, 79, died of a respiratory infection after spending the last two weeks in hospital in New Delhi, a spokesman for his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said. REUTERS/Danish Ismail 

Mourners carry the coffin that contains the body of chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, during his funeral procession in Srinagar, January 7, 2016. The leader of India's insurgency-plagued Jammu and Kashmir state and an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi died on Thursday, bringing political uncertainty to the disputed region at the heart of tension between India and Pakistan. Sayeed, 79, died of a respiratory infection after spending the last two weeks in hospital in New Delhi, a spokesman for his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said. REUTERS/Danish Ismail 

Mourners offer funeral prayers next to the coffin that contains the body of chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Srinagar, January 7, 2016. The leader of India's insurgency-plagued Jammu and Kashmir state and an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi died on Thursday, bringing political uncertainty to the disputed region at the heart of tension between India and Pakistan. Sayeed, 79, died of a respiratory infection after spending the last two weeks in hospital in New Delhi, a spokesman for his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said. REUTERS/Danish Ismail 

Mourners carry the coffin that contains the body of chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, during his funeral procession in Srinagar, January 7, 2016. The leader of India's insurgency-plagued Jammu and Kashmir state and an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi died on Thursday, bringing political uncertainty to the disputed region at the heart of tension between India and Pakistan. Sayeed, 79, died of a respiratory infection after spending the last two weeks in hospital in New Delhi, a spokesman for his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said. REUTERS/Danish Ismail TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Indonesian soldiers work on a canal system in a peatland forest to improve its saturation to prevent future fires in Pulung Pisau near Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia October 29, 2015. Indonesia's weather agency failed to predict that the effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon this year would be worse than in 1997, a senior minister said on Wednesday, as the government considers declaring a national emergency due to forest fires. The fires raging across the archipelago have created a haze that has blanketed much of Southeast Asia in recent months and, according to authorities, have left more than half a million Indonesians suffering from respiratory ailments.REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

A mother sits with her child who is recovering from a respiratory illness in a hospital in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia October 28, 2015. Indonesia's weather agency failed to predict that the effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon this year would be worse than in 1997, a senior minister said on Wednesday, as the government considers declaring a national emergency due to forest fires. The fires raging across the archipelago have created a haze that has blanketed much of Southeast Asia in recent months and, according to authorities, have left more than half a million Indonesians suffering from respiratory ailments.REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

A mother sits with her son who is recovering from a respiratory illness in a hospital in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia October 28, 2015. Indonesia's weather agency failed to predict that the effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon this year would be worse than in 1997, a senior minister said on Wednesday, as the government considers declaring a national emergency due to forest fires. The fires raging across the archipelago have created a haze that has blanketed much of Southeast Asia in recent months and, according to authorities, have left more than half a million Indonesians suffering from respiratory ailments.REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

A girl wearing a mask to prevent contracting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) sits on a luggage as others walk past them at Gimpo International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, June 17, 2015. South Korea on Wednesday reported eight new cases of MERS, whilst another person infected with the virus died, health officials said, bringing to 20 the number of fatalities in the outbreak that began last month. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji 

Workers in full protective gear disinfect the interior of an internet cafe as a man looks on in Seoul, South Korea, June 16, 2015. South Korea's health ministry reported four new cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) on Tuesday, bringing the total to 154 in an outbreak that is the largest outside Saudi Arabia. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji 

A tourist wearing a mask to prevent contracting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) uses her mobile phone at Myeongdong shopping district in central Seoul, South Korea, June 10, 2015. South Korean President Park Geun-hye postponed a U.S. visit on Wednesday to supervise the handling of an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), as two more people died and 13 new cases were reported, lifting the total number of patients to 108. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji 

Youths chat among themselves as workers walk past in the facilities of Belarus' Republican Clinic of Speleotherapy within a salt mine near the town of Soligorsk, south of Minsk, February 19, 2015. According to the state clinic, more than 7,000 children and adults seek medical treatment for respiratory illness each year in the subsurface chambers of its facilities, located 420 metres underground between layers of potassium and stone salts in an operational salt mine. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko (BELARUS - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY) 

Boys play basketball in the facilities of Belarus' Republican Clinic of Speleotherapy within a salt mine, as part of their treatment, near the town of Soligorsk, south of Minsk, February 19, 2015. According to the state clinic, more than 7,000 children and adults seek medical treatment for respiratory illness each year in the subsurface chambers of its facilities, located 420 metres underground between layers of potassium and stone salts in an operational salt mine. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko (BELARUS - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) FOR BEST QUALITY IMAGE ALSO SEE: GF2EB341HXF01 

A girl reads a book while resting in the facilities of Belarus' Republican Clinic of Speleotherapy within a salt mine near the town of Soligorsk, south of Minsk, February 19, 2015. According to the state clinic, more than 7,000 children and adults seek medical treatment for respiratory illness each year in the subsurface chambers of its facilities, located 420 metres underground between layers of potassium and stone salts in an operational salt mine. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko (BELARUS - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A man takes a "selfie" with camels at a farm in Taif November 1, 2014. Saudi Arabia said late on Wednesday it had detected six new cases of the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 24 hours, the biggest daily jump for months with officials blaming lax hospital procedures. Scientists are not sure of the origin of the virus, but several studies have linked it to camels and some experts think it is being passed to humans through close physical contact or through the consumption of camel meat or camel milk. REUTERS/Mohamed Alhwaity (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: ANIMALS SOCIETY HEALTH TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

An anti-government protester stands at a barricade as woman looks on near Independence Square in Kiev, January 30, 2014. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has gone on sick leave with a respiratory ailment, his website said on Thursday, with the issue of a new prime minister still undecided. Yanukovich's prime minister, Mykola Azarov, resigned on Tuesday in the midst of mass street unrest and the president has yet to appoint a successor. Serhiy Arbuzov, who was Azarov's first deputy, has stepped in as interim prime minister. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (UKRAINE - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) 

Anti-government protesters stand at a barricade as a woman looks on near Independence Square in Kiev, January 30, 2014. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has gone on sick leave with a respiratory ailment, his website said on Thursday, with the issue of a new prime minister still undecided. Yanukovich's prime minister, Mykola Azarov, resigned on Tuesday in the midst of mass street unrest and the president has yet to appoint a successor. Serhiy Arbuzov, who was Azarov's first deputy, has stepped in as interim prime minister. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (UKRAINE - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) 

Anti-government protesters gather at an open fire site as temperatures stand at minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit) at a barricade near Independence Square in Kiev, January 30, 2014. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has gone on sick leave with a respiratory ailment, his website said on Thursday, with the issue of a new prime minister still undecided. Yanukovich's prime minister, Mykola Azarov, resigned on Tuesday in the midst of mass street unrest and the president has yet to appoint a successor. Serhiy Arbuzov, who was Azarov's first deputy, has stepped in as interim prime minister. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (UKRAINE - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Painter Felix Rodriguez prepares paintings depicting Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for sale in Caracas March 5, 2013. Chavez's adoring supporters prayed and wept on Tuesday over a serious setback in his battle against a cancer that threatens to end his 14-year rule of the South American OPEC member. In one of the gloomiest announcements to date on Chavez's health, the government said on Monday night that his breathing problems had worsened and he was suffering from a "severe" new respiratory infection in a Caracas military hospital. REUTERS/Jorge Silva (VENEZUELA - Tags: POLITICS HEALTH) 

A picture of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is seen on a religious altar in Caracas January 4, 2013. Chavez is still suffering a "severe" respiratory infection that has hindered his breathing as he struggles to recover from cancer surgery in Cuba, the government said on Thursday. The 58-year-old socialist leader has not been seen in public nor heard from in more than three weeks. Officials say he is in delicate condition after his fourth operation in just 18 months for an undisclosed form of cancer in his pelvic area. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins (VENEZUELA - Tags: POLITICS HEALTH RELIGION TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A traffic police officer directs traffic in front of India's presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan amid dense smog in New Delhi November 14, 2012. Indians are at high risk of respiratory ailments, heart disease and lung cancer, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data that showed Delhi's air had almost 10 times the recommended level of PM10 particulate matter, or particles small enough to penetrate to the deepest part of the lungs and cause health problems. REUTERS/B Mathur (INDIA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY HEALTH) 

Children listen to a guide while looking at a plastinated human lung at the "Body Worlds" exhibition by Gunther von Hagen in Tegucigalpa November 8, 2012. German anatomist Von Hagen invented plastination, the method for preserving biological tissue specimens. The exhibition displays whole bodies plastinated in lifelike poses and dissected to show various structures and system of the human anatomy. Picture taken November 8, 2012 REUTERS/Jorge Cabrera (HONDURAS - Tags: SOCIETY SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) 

A visitor stands behind a part of preserved human body on display at an exhibition in Budapest's Vam Design Center April 2, 2012. The exhibition showcases dissected real human body specimens that are preserved through an innovative process and respectfully presented, giving visitors the opportunity to view the beauty and complexity of their own organs and systems. REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh (HUNGARY - Tags: SOCIETY SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) 

An anti-government protester sprays graffiti that reads as ''People Want Freedom'', on a wall during a funeral procession held in Budaiya, west of Manama, October 7, 2011. A Bahraini teenager was killed during clashes with police on Thursday night, opposition activists said, and the government of the restive Gulf Arab state said it was investigating the cause of death. Ahmed Jaber died from severe respiratory and blood flow problems after he was received in hospital, an Interior Ministry statement said, without saying what caused this. Shi'ite activists said Jaber, who they said was 16 years old, died from bird-shot pellets and distributed a photo of his body in a morgue. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed (BAHRAIN - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) 

The body of Ahmed Jaber is carried on top of a vehicle as family members and supporters shout anti-government slogans during a funeral procession held in Budaiya, west of Manama, October 7, 2011. A Bahraini teenager was killed during clashes with police on Thursday night, opposition activists said, and the government of the restive Gulf Arab state said it was investigating the cause of death. Ahmed Jaber died from severe respiratory and blood flow problems after he was received in hospital, an Interior Ministry statement said, without saying what caused this. Shi'ite activists said Jaber, who they said was 16 years old, died from bird-shot pellets and distributed a photo of his body in a morgue. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed (BAHRAIN - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

HEALTH-SYNTHETIC/ - Illustrations and diagram explaining the process used by Surgeons in Sweden to carry out the world's first synthetic organ transplant. RNGS. (SIN04) 

A guide walks past a human body specimen at the exhibition "Mysterious Life" in Beijing April 8, 2011. The exhibition showcases real whole-body specimens, organs and partial body specimens which have been preserved to allow visitors to view muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. According to organizers, the exhibition aims to educate visitors on how to take care of their bodies and prevent potential diseases. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: SCI TECH HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A human body specimen is displayed at the exhibition "Mysterious Life" in Beijing April 8, 2011. The exhibition showcases real whole-body specimens, organs and partial body specimens which have been preserved to allow visitors to view muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. According to organizers, the exhibition aims to educate visitors on how to take care of their bodies and prevent potential diseases. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: SCI TECH HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A man looks at a human body specimen at the exhibition "Mysterious Life" in Beijing April 8, 2011. The exhibition showcases real whole-body specimens, organs and partial body specimens which have been preserved to allow visitors to view muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. According to organizers, the exhibition aims to educate visitors on how to take care of their bodies and prevent potential diseases. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: SCI TECH HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A gravid woman's body specimen is displayed at the exhibition "Mysterious Life" in Beijing April 8, 2011. The exhibition showcases real whole-body specimens, organs and partial body specimens which have been preserved to allow visitors to view muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. According to organizers, the exhibition aims to educate visitors on how to take care of their bodies and prevent potential diseases. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: SCI TECH HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A man looks at a human body specimen at the exhibition "Mysterious Life" in Beijing April 8, 2011. The exhibition showcases real whole-body specimens, organs and partial body specimens which have been preserved to allow visitors to view muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. According to organizers, the exhibition aims to educate visitors on how to take care of their bodies and prevent potential diseases. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: SCI TECH HEALTH SOCIETY) 

People look at a 16-week-old fetus specimen at the exhibition "Mysterious Life" in Beijing April 8, 2011. The exhibition showcases real whole-body specimens, organs and partial body specimens which have been preserved to allow visitors to view muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. According to organizers, the exhibition aims to educate visitors on how to take care of their bodies and prevent potential diseases. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: SCI TECH HEALTH SOCIETY IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A man looks at a human body specimen at the exhibition "Mysterious Life" in Beijing, April 8, 2011. The exhibition showcases real whole-body specimens, organs and partial body specimens which have been preserved to allow visitors to view muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. According to organizers, the exhibition aims to educate visitors on how to take care of their bodies and prevent potential diseases. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: SCI TECH SOCIETY HEALTH IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Messages written to former South African president Nelson Mandela by children from a nearby school are seen on a sign outside Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg January 27, 2011. Mandela was hospitalised overnight for routine medical tests, reigniting fears over the health of the frail 92-year-old anti-apartheid icon. Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday for what his foundation described as routine tests but Talk Radio 702 reported that Mandela had been seen by a specialist pulmonologist, who treats respiratory systems. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY) 

A schoolboy stands next to a placard wishing former South African president Nelson Mandela a speedy recovery outside Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg January 27, 2011. Mandela was hospitalised overnight for routine medical tests, reigniting fears over the health of the frail 92-year-old anti-apartheid icon. Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday for what his foundation described as routine tests but Talk Radio 702 reported that Mandela had been seen by a specialist pulmonologist, who treats respiratory systems. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: POLITICS HEALTH) 

Members of the media take pictures and film at the entrance of Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg January 27, 2011. Former South African president Nelson Mandela was hospitalised overnight for routine medical tests, reigniting fears over the health of the frail 92-year-old anti-apartheid icon. Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday for what his foundation described as routine tests but Talk Radio 702 reported that Mandela had been seen by a specialist pulmonologist, who treats respiratory systems. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: POLITICS HEALTH) 

A grandson of former South African president Nelson Mandela looks on at the entrance of Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg January 27, 2011. Mandela was hospitalised overnight for routine medical tests, reigniting fears over the health of the frail 92-year-old anti-apartheid icon. Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday for what his foundation described as routine tests but Talk Radio 702 reported that Mandela had been seen by a specialist pulmonologist, who treats respiratory systems. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY) 

A policeman stands guard at the entrance of Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg January 27, 2011. Mandela was hospitalised overnight for routine medical tests, reigniting fears over the health of the frail 92-year-old anti-apartheid icon. Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday for what his foundation described as routine tests but Talk Radio 702 reported that Mandela had been seen by a specialist pulmonologist, who treats respiratory systems. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA- Tags: POLITICS HEALTH) 

Police stand guard at the entrance of Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg January 27, 2011. Mandela was hospitalised overnight for routine medical tests, reigniting fears over the health of the frail 92-year-old anti-apartheid icon. Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday for what his foundation described as routine tests but Talk Radio 702 reported that Mandela had been seen by a specialist pulmonologist, who treats respiratory systems. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: POLITICS HEALTH) 

Children returning from swimming lessons walk past a placard wishing former South African president Nelson Mandela a speedy recovery outside Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg January 27, 2011. Mandela was hospitalised overnight for routine medical tests, reigniting fears over the health of the frail 92-year-old anti-apartheid icon. Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday for what his foundation described as routine tests but Talk Radio 702 reported that Mandela had been seen by a specialist pulmonologist, who treats respiratory systems. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY) SPORT CRICKET) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.
The Milad communications tower is seen through pollution in Tehran December 8, 2010.Acute air pollution in Tehran cannot be blamed on gasoline produced in an emergency plan to foil sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme, officials said on Wednesday, instead blaming the weather and domestic heaters. A weather system has trapped air in the Iranian capital for four weeks, posing a major health risk for people with respiratory problems and pushing up hospital admissions by more than 20 percent, according to the Health Ministry. In an attempt to clear the air, several public holidays were declared and cars can now only circulate on alternate days, squeezing even more people into Tehran's buses and metro. REUTERS/Caren Firouz (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS ENVIRONMENT) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.
Passengers look on as a metro train arrives at the bazaar metro station in Tehran December 8, 2010. Acute air pollution in Tehran cannot be blamed on gasoline produced in an emergency plan to foil sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme, officials said on Wednesday, instead blaming the weather and domestic heaters. A weather system has trapped air in the Iranian capital for four weeks, posing a major health risk for people with respiratory problems and pushing up hospital admissions by more than 20 percent, according to the Health Ministry. In an attempt to clear the air, several public holidays were declared and cars can now only circulate on alternate days, squeezing even more people into Tehran's buses and metro.
REUTERS/Caren Firouz (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS ENVIRONMENT TRANSPORT) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.
Passengers enter a metro station at the bazaar in Tehran December 8, 2010. Acute air pollution in Tehran cannot be blamed on gasoline produced in an emergency plan to foil sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme, officials said on Wednesday, instead blaming the weather and domestic heaters. A weather system has trapped air in the Iranian capital for four weeks, posing a major health risk for people with respiratory problems and pushing up hospital admissions by more than 20 percent, according to the Health Ministry. In an attempt to clear the air, several public holidays were declared and cars can now only circulate on alternate days, squeezing even more people into Tehran's buses and metro.REUTERS/Caren Firouz (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS ENVIRONMENT TRANSPORT) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.
Two women, one in a face mask (L), talk as they walk near the bazaar in central Tehran December 8, 2010. Acute air pollution in Tehran cannot be blamed on gasoline produced in an emergency plan to foil sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme, officials said on Wednesday, instead blaming the weather and domestic heaters.
A weather system has trapped air in the Iranian capital for four weeks, posing a major health risk for people with respiratory problems and pushing up hospital admissions by more than 20 percent, according to the Health Ministry. REUTERS/Caren Firouz (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS ENVIRONMENT ENERGY) 

A performer poses during a photo call for a body painting event, which is part of a government-sponsored anti-smoking campaign, in Seoul June 14, 2009. REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak (SOUTH KOREA HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A performer from the U.S. known as "The Enigma" pulls a nail out of his nasal cavity during the inauguration of the International Tattoo Convention in Lima November 23, 2007. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares (PERU) 

Father Corrado, a Polish priest, checks the newspaper regarding the Pope' health at the entrance of Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, February 25, 2005. Pope John Paul was breathing unaided in hospital on Friday after emergency surgery to open up his airway, the Italian news agency Ansa reported. As Catholics the world over prayed for the recovery of their spiritual leader, Ansa said the 84-year-old Pope's ability to breath without the aid of any respiratory support systems gave rise to "greater optimism" about his health. The Pope was rushed to a Rome hospital for the second time this month on Thursday following a relapse of influenza and renewed respiratory problems. 

A nun checks the newpapers regarding the Pope' health at the entrance of Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican February 25, 2005. Pope John Paul was breathing unaided in hospital on Friday after emergency surgery to open up his airway, the Italian news agency Ansa reported. As Catholics the world over prayed for the recovery of their spiritual leader, Ansa said the 84-year-old Pope's ability to breath without the aid of any respiratory support systems gave rise to "greater optimism" about his health. The Pope was rushed to a Rome hospital for the second time this month on Thursday following a relapse of influenza and renewed respiratory problems. REUTERS/Max Rossi MR/AA 

A nun checks the newpapers regarding the Pope' health at the entrance of Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican February 25, 2005. Pope John Paul was breathing unaided in hospital on Friday after emergency surgery to open up his airway, the Italian news agency Ansa reported. As Catholics the world over prayed for the recovery of their spiritual leader, Ansa said the 84-year-old Pope's ability to breath without the aid of any respiratory support systems gave rise to "greater optimism" about his health. The Pope was rushed to a Rome hospital for the second time this month on Thursday following a relapse of influenza and renewed respiratory problems. REUTERS/Max Rossi MR/AA 

A nun checks the newpapers regarding the Pope' health at the entrance of Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican February 25, 2005. Pope John Paul was breathing unaided in hospital on Friday after emergency surgery to open up his airway, the Italian news agency Ansa reported. As Catholics the world over prayed for the recovery of their spiritual leader, Ansa said the 84-year-old Pope's ability to breath without the aid of any respiratory support systems gave rise to "greater optimism" about his health. The Pope was rushed to a Rome hospital for the second time this month on Thursday following a relapse of influenza and renewed respiratory problems. REUTERS/Max Rossi MR/AA