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Lead contamination sparks health fears in Bosnian town

July 14, 2026

People in the Bosnian municipality of Vares fear for their health after tests revealed elevated levels of lead in residents' blood and local soil. Environmental groups suspect nearby mines are to blame.

https://p.dw.com/p/5H1XL

For months, the municipality of Vares in central Bosnia has been grappling with a growing environmental and public health crisis. 

Recent tests found higher lead levels in the blood of many residents and in the local soil. 

Residents and environmental groups suspect nearby mines and tailings ponds are to blame for the contamination, raising concerns about the long-term impact on public health and renewed questions over the accountability of investors and public authorities.

Head shot of a young man with moustache and pony tail (Ajdin Kamber) standing outside
Ajdin Kamber Author, reporter, photographer and video-maker, above all for Bosnia-Herzegovina