Airola– The initial results of the ARPAC analyses on the fire that broke out in the Airola industrial area "are far from reassuring," Clemente Mastella, mayor of Benevento and president of the Local Health Authority's Mayors' Committee, wrote in a statement.
At the heart of the concern is the concentration of dioxins, "well above the reference level." According to Mastella, this is a factor that shouldn't be underestimated, "considering the potential harm that exposure to this contaminant causes."
Dioxins, the former Minister of Justice points out, "are certainly carcinogenic and negatively affect both the endocrine and immune systems." Hence the appeal to the health authorities. "I believe it is necessary for the health authorities, especially the local health authorities, to provide mayors with guidelines for containment measures to be imposed on the population."
Without a common direction, he warns, chaos is at risk: "A scattered approach or disparate initiatives would create confusion among citizens and risk making the measures ineffective." Mastella also calls for a risk map.
"It would be helpful if, based on scientific findings, the affected areas were divided into risk zones based on their distance from the epicenter of the toxic cloud." According to the mayor, the Region's approach is positive. Mastella acknowledges that the Environment Councilors, Claudia Pecoraro, and Agriculture Councilors, Maria Carmela Serluca, "have ensured their utmost attention to the evolution of this dramatic situation."
Based on that willingness, he now intends to build a working relationship: "We will gather their willingness to participate in a coordination meeting with mayors—also extended to the affected areas of Avellino and Caserta—the Local Health Authority (ASL) and Arpac (ARPAC). The aim is to provide a clear picture of the risks, their gradation based on social distancing, and the prevention measures to be adopted."
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Information for the public following the fire in Airola
Here is some practical information for citizens regarding the current situation and the measures to be taken.
- Dioxin contamination: The analyses highlighted levels of dioxins higher than the reference values, considered carcinogenic.
- Health recommendations: It is essential to follow the indications of health authorities to protect your health.
- Risk Map: A risk map will be created to identify the most affected areas.
- Coordination table: A coordination table will be set up to manage the situation and communicate the necessary measures.
- Communication to families: Local authorities will provide regular updates to inform the public about risks and precautions.
