TEHRAN -– There was a 18% increase in number of those seeking genetic counseling across the country, an official at the state Welfare Organization announced here on Saturday.

Zahra Noparast blamed unhealthy nutritional habits and poor hygiene standards mainly responsible for an increase in rate of genetic disorders in the country.
Noparast called genetic factors involved in half of hearing and vision disabilities.
According to the figures of the Welfare Organization, a total of 131 government and non-government genetic counseling centers are now active across the country, which offer individuals counseling in three phases of life; before marriage, and pregnancy as well as before the birth of the second child