The United Nations have warned that people in the Balkans breathe the most polluted air in Europe.
Concentrations of polluting materials such as PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the air in the Balkans are five times above maximum allowed levels. This, the UN environmental organization reports, affects health and lifespans in the region.

Main causes of air pollution in the region include the use of wood for heating over winter and antiquated coal burning plants used to produce electricity.

According to the report, air pollution causes seven million deaths world wide.