A report on air quality published by the Environment Ministry on Monday indicated an improvement in air quality in Jerusalem and the Dan region in 2006 compared to the year before.

The Dan region saw 59 days of high or very high air pollution in 2006 compared to 61 days in 2005, and Jerusalem, showing the most significant improvement, saw only 32 days of high air pollution in 2006, compared to 52 days in 2005.

On the other hand, the report indicated a decline in air quality in several cities and towns, including Afula, Rehovot and Carmiel. The most significant decline was registered in Beit Shemesh, where 2006 saw 22 days of high pollution compared to 8 days in 2005.

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According to the Environment Ministry, the main reason for the decline in air quality is the many sand storms in 2006, which formed small particles that can infiltrate the respiratory system.

The ministry's report said the improvement in both Jerusalem and the Dan region can be linked to the implementation of various measures, including harsher regulations for preventing the emission of toxins from vehicles and the introduction of natural gas to the Reading power plant in Tel Aviv.

An additional factor positively affecting air quality is weather conditions that allowed pollution to disintegrate more easily.

A statement by Tel Aviv's city hall said that pollution has significantly decreased since 2002, which saw 90 days of high air pollution. The statement also said that 2006 saw a 10 percent decrease in nitrous oxide, one of the main components of air pollution.