KFOR troops and UNMIK police moved into the Trepca industrial and mining complex north of Mitrovica in the early hours of 14 August, and closed down the Zvecan lead smelter, whose poisonous emissions were well over the maximum accepted limit. Pollution from the complex has affected the Mitrovica region for many years, but lead emissions rose sharply after the smelter was reactivated two months ago without using an effective filter.
The plant was the main source of revenue for the region, and the takeover raised fears among the local Serb population that their livelihood was at stake. Mitrovica has long been considered one of the most polluted cities of Europe. In the s different studies were carried out and one indicated 12 per cent of the local children given tests had blood levels which put them at risk of severe lead toxicity. Lead is toxic for adults, but even more so for children, who can suffer from severe encephalopathy.
Lead poisoning can cause anaemia by impairing the production of haemoglobin, and can seriously damage the nervous system and the kidney. Severe lead toxicity can produce muscle weakness and pain, paresthesia and encephalopathy which may abruptly lead to seizures, coma and death.
SRSG Dr Bernard Kouchner is expected soon to sign a new regulation on the importation, manufacture, sale and distribution of pharmaceuticals. This is due to become effective on 1 September. The regulation also covers narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The Kosovo Drug Regulatory Agency KDRA will be responsible for licensing imports of manufactured and intermediate products as well as the import of raw materials and labile blood products to be used in manufacturing pharmaceutical products.
KDRA licenses will be mandatory also for the import of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, and operation as a pharmaceutical wholesaler or retailer. Under the regulation, drug donations will only be accepted after approval and on condition that they comply with current guidelines. He urged regional hospital and health house managers to make sure that payroll lists were submitted to the central authority in good time for monthly deadlines to guarantee payment of salaries.
