The Right to Clean Air and Related Sanctions in Iranian and French Law

Air pollution is one of the most important environmental problems affecting urban population with significant global, national and local consequences. Therefore, to guarantee the right of citizens to clean air, criminal fines and penalties have been set forth in order to confront and punish the transgressors. This study aimed to discuss and analyze the penalties for air pollution violations. In this study, the legal conception of air pollution and the right to clean air are discussed first, and then the Iranian and French legislations regarding air pollution control laws are reviewed. This study emphasizes the need for establishing and including civil and administrative penalties in the contemporary environmental law.