Environment and Health in Contaminated Sites: The Case of Taranto, Italy

Abstract

The National Environmental Remediation programme in Italy includes sites with documented contamination and associated potential health impacts (National Priority Contaminated Sites—NPCSs). SENTIERI Project, an extensive investigation of mortality in 44 NPCSs, considered the area of Taranto, a NPCS where a number of polluting sources are present. Health indicators available at municipality level were analyzed, that is, mortality (2003–2009), mortality time trend (1980–2008), and cancer incidence (2006-2007). In addition, the cohort of individuals living in the area was followed up to evaluate mortality (1998–2008) and morbidity (1998–2010) by district of residence. The results of the study consistently showed excess risks for a number of causes of death in both genders, among them: all causes, all cancers, lung cancer, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, both acute and chronic. An increased infant mortality was also observed from the time trends analysis. Mortality/morbidity excesses were detected in residents living in districts near the industrial area, for several disorders including cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. These coherent findings from different epidemiological approaches corroborate the need to promptly proceed with environmental cleanup interventions. Most diseases showing an increase in Taranto NPCS have a multifactorial etiology, and preventive measures of proven efficacy (e.g., smoking cessation and cardiovascular risk reduction programs, breast cancer screening) should be planned. The study results and public health actions are to be communicated objectively and transparently so that a climate of confidence and trust between citizens and public institutions is maintained.

Environmental Pollution Effects on Mortality in an Industrial and a Non-industrial Municipality, in Voiotia Prefecture, Greece

“…While a direct comparison with other results is difficult because of the different statistical analysis methods utilized, our outcomes regarding the increased mortality from all-cause, specific cancer sites, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are in agreement with those reported by studies focused on the residential exposure to air polluted industries (Edwards et al, 2006;Garcia-Perez et al, 2010;Parodi et al, 2015;Pirastu et al, 2013;RuizRudolph et al, 2016). For example, Pirastu et al (2013) Edwards et al (2006), we also observed increased risk of lung cancer (SRR = 1.58, 95% CI 0.9-2.8), which however, did not reach statistical significance.…”

“…For example, Pirastu et al (2013) Edwards et al (2006), we also observed increased risk of lung cancer (SRR = 1.58, 95% CI 0.9-2.8), which however, did not reach statistical significance. Regarding leukaemias most studies, indicated suggestive results, which match with our findings (SRR = 4.65, 95% CI 0.9-25.3, p-value = 0.075).…”

“…Also, excesses risks of mortality due to leukaemias in populations residing in areas with metal production and processing installations have been reported by Garcia-Perez et al (2010). More recently, a follow-up study by Pirastu et al (2013) evaluated the mortality of individuals residing in districts near various industrial sources to identify an excess risk for all causes of death, all cancers, lung cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Same health risk had been identified by the ecological study of Ruiz-Rudolph et al (2016) that focused on communes near large industrial facilities.…”

Geology of Mar Piccolo, Taranto (southern Italy): the physical basis for remediation of a polluted marine area

“…in the residents around the Taranto industrial district (Pirastu et al, 2013). Recent studies carried out on breast milk sampled in nursing women living in the Taranto area show a content of dioxins which is 10-40 times higher than the tolerable intake values established by the World Health Organization (Bianco et al, 2013).…”

Seafloor integrity of the Mar Piccolo Basin (Southern Italy): quantifying anthropogenic impact

“…In 1991, the Italian Ministry of Environment declared this area a 'High Environmental Risk' zone. Several studies have focused on the high level of air pollution and its tragic consequences for Taranto inhabitants (Bianco et al, 2013;Pirastu et al, 2013). Others have focused on the accumulation of dangerous compounds in the Mar Piccolo Basin waters and sediments (Buccolieri et al, 2006;Calace et al, 2005;Cardellicchio et al, 2007;Petronio et al, 2012).…”