Environmental study and estimation of external costs (economic-health) of open flares of oil wells in Ahwaz area and elaborate managerial mechanisms to reduce the negative effects and to gain economic benefits

All over the world, the soluble gases accompanying oil extraction, which contain highly toxic compounds, are flared under certain conditions in order to reduce toxicity. The present study, while performing an analysis of the condition of the flares of Ahwaz oil wells, tries to propose managerial solutions. To this end, the human, natural, and physical environments influenced by flares have been investigated in Ahwaz. Both theoretical and field research methods (searching the Internet, interviews with environmentalists and experts in the National Iranian Oil Company, personal observations, etc.) have been employed.Some of the results are related to the emission impacts of the flares and their location relevant to Ahwaz. Others shed light on the effects of the flares on the economy of the country, and the health and hygiene of the citizens of Ahwaz. Still others demonstrate the impact of the flares on the animals, plants, soil, and water of the area.The distribution of air pollutants (NOx, H2S, CO, and CO2) from these flares has been investigated. The emergence of lung and respiratory diseases, and billions of Rials of economic loss, are among the consequences.Managerial suggestions have been put forward, considering both the presence and the absence of flaring at the oil wells.