Air pollution is the cause for one out of five premature deaths in 19 cities in the Western Balkans among which are the cities of Skopje, Tetovo, Bitola, Veles shows the report „Air Pollution and Public Health: The case of the Western Balkans“,
The total number of premature deaths related to air pollution in the cities of the Western Balkans is almost 5000 annually. In seven of the cities that were observed, air pollution is responsible for at least 15 % of premature deaths, and in Tetovo the percentage is 19%.
According to the report, the regional economic and industrial structures are upgraded but the policies for control of the air pollution will have to be significantly improved.
The main sources of PM10 emissions in North Macedonia are residential heating (46%), industrial processes (mainly ferroalloys production) (22%) and energy generation (11%) – Skopje, Tetovo, Bitola and Veles. Similarly, the main sources of PM2.5 emissions are residential heating (58%), industrial processes (mainly ferroalloys production) (20%) and energy generation (6%) (MoEPP, 2008), says the report that cites the Ministry of Environment and Physical planning
Previously, the Meta News Agency informed that according to the World Health Organization the rate of deaths as a result of air pollution in a population of 100.000 citizens, in Macedonia is 125 against 65 in Europe for 2016.
