The problem

Kosovska Mitrovica is considered one of the most polluted areas in Kosovo and is home to the Zvecan smelter, a part of the Trepca mining complex, made up of 40 mines that produce gold, silver, lead, zinc and cadmium. During its operation, lead levels in the city’s air and water reached up to 200 times more than World Health Organization guidelines. NATO peacekeepers closed the giant Zvecan lead smelter in August 2000 but the contamination left behind still poses a serious threat to the local environment and people’s health.

Health Impact

A government study conducted in the late 1980s found that 4-year-old children in Mitrovica had significantly lower intelligence, verbal expression and perception, compared with children in Prishtina.

Twenty years ago, before a filter unit and air pollution controls were installed, children living near the smelter were found at risk for encephalopathy and exhibited consequences of high blood-lead levels, such as low intelligence scores and neurological disorders.

Current Activity

Further research needed.