Summary
Sarajevo is among the cities with the highest air pollution worldwide and even exceeds Beijing in fine dust pollution during winter. The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI has for the first time collected reliable data on the spatial distribution of air pollutants and their sources using mobile measurements. The main culprits are heating systems using solid fuels such as wood and coal in residential areas, as well as kitchen emissions from restaurants. A 50-percent reduction in air pollutants could save 5,000 human lives annually in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
People
- André Prévôt – Head of Laboratory for Atmospheric Chemistry, PSI
- Katja Džepina – Co-author of the study, PSI team
Topics
- Air pollution and fine dust pollution
- Source characteristics of air pollutants
- Health consequences and mortality
- Heating emissions and energy supply
- Atmospheric chemistry and measurement technology
Detailed Summary
The research project SAAERO (Sarajevo Aerosol Experiment) systematically investigated air quality in Sarajevo for the first time. Researchers from eight countries participated, led by the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, the University of Nova Gorica (Slovenia), and the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In January 2023, the team led by André Prévôt conducted 39 measurement drives through Sarajevo. The PSI's mobile laboratory – a specially equipped van – recorded air quality parameters in densely built residential areas, on major traffic routes, and in the city center. The results were published in the journal Environment International (January 2026).
Fine dust pollution and spatial distribution: Approximately two-thirds of all measurements exceeded the World Health Organization WHO recommended daily limit value for fine dust (PM 2.5) of 15 micrograms per cubic meter. Peak values of several hundred micrograms per cubic meter were measured in the short term. During the day, the pollution is relatively evenly distributed; in the evening, concentrations in residential areas outside the center increase significantly.
Main sources of air pollution: Around two-thirds of organic fine dust particles in residential areas come from wood heating systems. The team also identified high concentrations of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In the old town district of Baščaršija, emissions primarily originate from restaurant kitchen facilities – the smell of grilled meat characterizes the district.
Sulfur dioxide from coal power plants: 81 percent of all European sulfur dioxide emissions come from the Western Balkans, primarily from old Soviet coal-fired power plants. Measured values increased sharply upon entering Bosnia and Herzegovina and remained persistently high in the valleys around Sarajevo.
Health consequences: An accompanying international study (Nature, 2025) examined the toxicity of air pollutants. What matters is not only the amount of fine dust, but the oxidative stress in the lungs, which causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well as premature deaths. A 50-percent reduction in air pollutants could save approximately 5,000 human lives per year in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Key Findings
- Sarajevo exceeds Beijing: In winter, fine dust pollution is higher than in the Chinese capital
- Main source heating: Two-thirds of organic fine dust particles come from wood and coal heating systems
- Spatial hotspots: Residential areas outside the center show extreme pollution peaks in the evening
- Carcinogenic substances: High concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons detected
- Western Balkans problem: 81% of European sulfur dioxide emissions come from the region
- Massive health consequences: 5,000 preventable deaths per year possible through emission reduction
- Solutions: Building insulation, gas connections, clean pellet heating required
Stakeholders & Those Affected
| Group | Impact |
|---|---|
| Sarajevo residents | Direct health damage from air pollution |
| Population of Bosnia and Herzegovina | Regional air pollution and emissions from power plants |
| Restaurant operators (Baščaršija) | Emission sources from kitchen exhaust |
| Energy sector | Need for modernization of coal-fired power plants |
| Healthcare system | Increased burden from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases |
| Research institutions | Data basis for air quality research |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| 5,000 lives per year saveable through emission reduction | High costs for building insulation and gas infrastructure |
| Identified sources enable targeted measures | Difficult implementation on hillsides |
| Pellet heating as practical interim solution | Long-term dependence on energy infrastructure |
| Establishment of measurement stations for continuous monitoring | Persistent emissions from coal-fired power plants |
| Better air quality for tourism and economy | Political and financial barriers to implementation |
Action Relevance
For decision-makers in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Urgent modernization of coal-fired power plants required
- Prioritize comprehensive building insulation and gas connections
- Promote clean heating alternatives (pellets, heat pumps)
- Regulate restaurant kitchen emissions in the old town
For research and monitoring:
- Establishment of permanent measurement stations (supersites) for continuous monitoring
- Further evaluation of the 2023 measurement campaign
- Investigation of the interaction between sulfur dioxide and atmospheric chemistry
For international cooperation:
- Develop Western Balkans-wide air quality strategy
- Technology transfer and financing for emission reduction
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified (WHO limit value 15 µg/m³, 5,000 preventable deaths)
- [x] Source information complete (Environment International, Nature study 2025)
- [x] Methodological transparency provided (39 measurement drives, mobile laboratory)
- [x] No unconfirmed data identified
- [x] No apparent bias or one-sided presentation
Supplementary Research
- WHO Air Quality Guidelines 2021 – Global air quality standards and health consequences
- European Environment Agency (EEA) Report 2024 – Air pollution in Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans
- Energy Community Secretariat – Energy transition and power plant modernization in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Reference List
Primary Source:
Bauer, M. et al. (2026). Assessing the severe urban pollution crisis in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: mobile measurements and source characterization. Environment International, Vol. 6.1, DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.110009
Supplementary Sources:
- Prévôt, A. et al. (2025). Toxicity of air pollutants and health impacts. Nature (2025)
- Paul Scherrer Institute PSI – Research Area Atmospheric Chemistry
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Air Quality Guidelines 2021
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 22, 2026
Footer (Transparency Notice)
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Press release of the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI
Original publication: January 22, 2026 | Source: news.admin.ch