Balkan Air Pollution Rivals Beijing's Worst

In winter, the Balkans contend with the highest particle pollution levels in Europe, frequently exceeding those observed in Beijing and occasionally ranking among the global peaks. Sulphur dioxide emissions during winter can be over 30 times greater than typical western European levels. In Bosnia and Herzegovina alone, an estimated 3,300 premature deaths annually are attributed to particle pollution.

Sarajevo has emerged as a focal point for this crisis. Researchers discovered that particle pollution, even when analyzing a subset of the mixture, surpassed World Health Organization daily guidelines for 66% of the time, often by more than eight times. Residential areas suffer most, with pollution primarily from home heating using wood, coal, and rubbish, alongside high levels of hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

An aging vehicle fleet further exacerbates Sarajevo's air quality problems, with the average car being 19 years old and 10% predating modern exhaust standards. In the city center, restaurant cooking also contributes significantly to particle pollution. Current plans aim to reduce solid fuel heating by 90% by 2033, a measure deemed essential but insufficient on its own.