Alarming data on air quality, doctors warn of permanent health damage

Emissions of key air pollutants have increased by 26 percent from 2023 to 2024, according to the latest report by the European Commission for Kosovo. Environmental experts say that the main cause of this is coal-fired power plants. And health experts warn that the increased release of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust into the air could have permanent consequences for people.

Emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and dust in the air increased by nearly 26 percent in 2024, compared to the previous year, the latest European Commission report on Kosovo has shown. 

According to this report, the level of sulfur dioxide has increased from 10.495 tons in 2023 to 11,713 tons in 2024. That of nitrogen oxides, from 11,384 tons in 2023 to 16,851 tons in 2024, and that of dust from 4,742 tons to 5,606 tons. 

Environmental expert Besnik Shabiu has cited coal-fired power plants as the main source of worsening air pollution. He says that the use of electrical heating equipment also has an impact.

"We have seen that the ministry and the government have stimulated heating with electricity and we know that the main source of electricity in our country comes from thermal power plants. The heating that comes from electrical power increases the need to operate thermal power plants even more and in this case, the emission of sulfur, nitrogen and dust gases also increases in greater quantities," said Shabiu. 

Pulmonologist Skënder Baca warns that these pollutants have a direct impact on human health, with permanent consequences.

also Arberi 13 dhj 2025 Air pollution increases during December

"First, the bronchial epithelium is damaged, and later, if it penetrates to lower levels in the bronchioles and alveoli, then the risk is greatest and the damage is greater. The damage can be acute, for a very short time where it can be repaired and leave no consequences. But the damage can also be chronic, and then the problem is that the damage is irreversible. The impact of these chemicals leaves traces, leaves scars, i.e. leaves lasting consequences even after they are no longer present," Baca explained. 

The European Commission's Progress Report also warns that air quality in Kosovo has not improved over the last year.