Posted on July, 26 1999

A WWF-organised team of experts began a three day mission to Yugoslavia on July 28 to undertake a rapid assessment of the war's environmental impact at major hot spots, and to begin developing long term environmental strategies for protecting the region.

Soil and water samples taken near damaged industrial complexes are being collected to be analysed for a range of toxins, including cancer-linked chlorinated substances, such as ethylene dichloride (EDC), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and heavy metals such as mercury.

The mains sites being examined are the petro chemical complex at Pancevo, near Belgrade, and a large refinery in Novi Sad, north of Belgrade. Results of the testing are expected in about a month.

The results of the testing will assist WWF to develop a programme for long term monitoring in the region, particularly in the River Danube, into which, it is feared, contaminants were spilled during the war.

The WWF-led team will also meet during the mission with representatives of NGOs in Yugoslavia, with the aim of forging stronger links to ensure long term environmental security in the region.