Albania recorded 129 premature deaths per 100,000 inhabitants linked to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), according to Eurostat’s latest data for 2023. With this figure, the country ranks fourth in Europe for the health impact of air pollution, behind North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.
The rate is more than three times higher than the European Union average of 41 premature deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
PM2.5 particles are among the most dangerous air pollutants because their extremely small size allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs. They are associated with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and an increased risk of premature death.
The main sources of PM2.5 pollution include residential heating, road transport, industrial activity, the use of low-quality fuels, and the burning of waste.
The data show that the Western Balkans continue to bear the heaviest burden of air pollution in Europe, while the Nordic countries record the lowest levels. Although many EU countries have improved air quality in recent years, significant regional disparities remain, making air pollution a major public health challenge for Albania as well.
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