ALARM: Bosnia and Herzegovina has the second highest death rate due to air pollution in the world after North Korea

Today, a global campaign of health professionals for the improvement of air quality in Tuzla and Lukavac started

The Alliance for Health and the Environment (HEAL) calls on the city authorities to clean air in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the campaign "Take off my mask." Downloading my mask's mask is a global initiative of doctors, nurses and public health professionals who are committed to improving air quality and reducing emissions of harmful gases in our cities. It calls on all cities to adhere to the WHO World Health Organization (WHO) quality guidelines and to make concrete actions that will contribute to meeting guidelines and improving air quality in cities.

HEAL is leading this campaign in Europe and Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of promoting practical solutions and realizing important changes in city-level policies that will manage the clear and global trend of reducing air pollution in urban areas by 2030. For years, air quality in Tuzla and Lukavac has not been improved. One of the major threats to the health of citizens in this area comes from high concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5). PM2.5 are solid particles formed by the combustion of materials, and also a pollutant that disrupts human health.

By intake, solid particles can end up in the bloodstream and thereby reduce the ability of the human organism. Scientific discoveries show that inhalation of solid particles causes premature death, heart and lung disease, stroke, and a number of other health problems. "It is alarming that Bosnia and Herzegovina has the second highest death rate due to polluted air in the world after North Korea, and air pollution in Bosnia" eats "21.5% of gross domestic product through reduced productivity and costs for the treatment of diseases caused by polluted air," says Vlatka Matković Puljić, Health and Environment Advisor for the Alliance for Health and the Environment (HEAL) based in Brussels, Belgium.

"Solutions that would improve air quality are numerous. The challenge is to create a political will to apply them for better public health. "
Healthcare workers from Tuzla and throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina are joining global efforts to improve air quality. Only through primary prevention, reduction of pollution, the presence of heart and lung diseases will decrease, and reduce mortality from them. This would have a direct economic benefit for society.

Only the transition to renewable energy sources and the abolition of coal use in thermal power plants in BiH would save 2,564 lives per year. While world economies are focusing on renewable energy sources, the Government of BiH is continuing its path to an unprepared consideration of investments in coal-fired power plants.

Different solutions, such as the establishment of strict standards for emissions of harmful gases in transport or alternative transport fuels, the use of renewable energy sources for home heating systems, and better infrastructure and urban planning to support and promote active and healthy lifestyles aimed at walks and bicycle use, while improving health people, improve air quality and reduce global warming.
HEAL, together with the Tuzla Institute for Public Health, appeals for better air quality of cantons and calls for action that will contribute to better air quality. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, HEAL cooperates with local health professionals to promote solutions that focus on those sources of air pollution that most affect Tuzla and Lukavac.

The global campaign "Take off the mask of my city" is also in several European cities: in Belgrade - Serbia, in Warsaw - Poland, in Adana, Istanbul and Iskenderun - Turkey, and in London - United Kingdom. The campaign includes Salt Lake City - United States, Cheney and Ahmedabad - India, Sao Paolo - Brazil, and Emalahleni - South Africa.

Doc. dr. med. sci Maida Mulić, director of the Public Health Institute of the Tuzla Canton, points out that the air we inhale in Tuzla and other cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina is affecting our health.

"Low air quality causes heart and lung diseases as well as other problems, especially people who are ill. I believe that doctors, nurses and other health professionals will join in addressing the problem of polluted air. "And added that" urgent action is required of all structures and decision makers in solving this problem. "

Doctor Emir Durić from Tuzla says air pollution is a hidden killer in Tuzla.

"As a doctor in the service of citizens, I am aware of the need for improving air quality. My greatest concern is the health of the youngest, children. "

• 26 Feb, 2018
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