The National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK) has said that uncontrolled waste disposal directly impacts soil, water and air pollution, while calling for the proper removal of waste in every neighborhood of the city.
The institute wrote on Facebook that waste increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases such as dysentery, hepatitis A, cholera and respiratory tract infections.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support Contribute"Environmentally, waste contributes to soil, water and air pollution, damaging ecosystems and biodiversity. Their uncontrolled burning releases smoke and harmful gases such as dioxins and furans, which can cause chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and, in certain cases, even carcinogenic diseases," wrote IHMK.
The institute added that the large presence of waste in Pristina and its lack of disposal seriously endangers health.
"Stray dogs and cats also pose an additional risk, as they scatter waste, increasing the possibility of spreading infectious diseases and creating noise in the city's neighborhoods. Open container lids and rainy weather conditions have favored the spread of unpleasant odors, negatively affecting air quality," the announcement further states.
IHMK has called for ensuring the functionality and closing of waste container lids, regular cleaning of the surrounding area, regulation of inert waste management, and a ban on dumping construction materials at urban waste collection points.