The air pollution in the capital is the same as that of big cities like Beijing, Mumbai and New Delhi. Especially in winter, urban areas face severe episodes of smoke and fog, which are caused by increased demand for heat, which is mainly provided by the burning of solid fuels.
Such levels of air pollution are unsafe for the population of Kosovo of 1.9 million inhabitants and cause harmful health consequences. Pollution in Pristina is considered to come from vehicles, power plants in Obiliq, and heating with wood and coal.
