Health impacts of air pollution

Health impacts of air pollution in Kosovo significantly decreased between 2005 and 2024, largely due to improved air quality and sectoral measures. This has led to reduced exposure to air pollution for .

The reduction in concentrations of particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5) is attributed to efforts to decrease direct emissions and emissions of secondary particle precursors like nitrogen oxides and non-methane volatile organic compounds. The main sources of PM_2.5 emissions include small-scale combustion, .

Despite improvements, air quality in Kosovo still raises concerns, especially when compared with the 2021 WHO guideline. However, current trends suggest alignment with the EU’s 2030 air quality targets. National policies, including building insulation, heating system expansions, transport reforms, better waste management and clean industrial technologies,. Although progress has been made, the health impacts of PM_2.5 remain a serious issue, requiring continued efforts, stricter regulations and investment in cleaner technologies. Aligning with EU standards and targeted public health interventions will be crucial to .