How does Balkan air pollution compare to Beijing's?

In winter, particle pollution in the Balkans is often higher than in Beijing, and on some days, it ranks among the highest globally.

What are the main sources of air pollution in Sarajevo?

Major sources include home heating with wood, coal, and rubbish, an aging vehicle fleet, and restaurant cooking, particularly in the city center.

Are air quality guidelines being met in Sarajevo?

No, a part of the particle pollution mixture exceeded the World Health Organization's daily guideline for 66% of the time in Sarajevo.

Home / Environment / Balkan Air Pollution Rivals Beijing's Worst

Balkan Air Pollution Rivals Beijing's Worst

23 Jan

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Summary

Balkan winter particle pollution is Europe's highest, often exceeding Beijing.
Sarajevo faces severe air quality issues from home heating and traffic.
WHO guidelines for particle pollution exceeded nearly all the time in Sarajevo.

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.