Analyses conducted by ARPAC between September 9 and 10 showed that reference levels for dioxins in the air in the municipality of Cervinara (Avenza) had been exceeded, following the reactivation of the fire that broke out on August 31 in the industrial area of Airola (Benevento). Specifically, the combined concentration of dioxins, furans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls reached 0,79 pg/Nm3 I-TEQ, well above the scientific limit of 0,15 pg/Nm3 I-TEQ. Conversely, near the fire in Airola, measured levels remained below this threshold, reaching 0,069 pg/Nm3 I-TEQ between September 7 and 9.
This discrepancy is primarily attributed to atmospheric circulation dynamics that transported pollutants toward Cervinara. Furthermore, the mobile laboratory positioned near the fire area recorded a peak in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and benzene concentrations at 9:00 a.m. on September 9th, coinciding with the reigniting of the flames. However, the values were lower than those reached in previous days, and a progressive decrease in pollutants was observed starting at 10:00 a.m. that same day, with a further reduction on the evening of September 10th.
Despite the critical issues that emerged, none of the monitored parameters exceeded the legal limits in force throughout the entire analysis period. Measurements will continue to monitor the situation, even after the fire was officially extinguished, as announced by the Fire Department in the early afternoon of September 9th. Further details and updated data are available on the Arpac website.
Details on dioxin monitoring after the fire
Here is some practical information about monitoring dioxins in the fire-affected area.
- Safety threshold: The scientific limit for dioxins is set at 0,15 pg/Nm3 I-TEQ.
- Concentrations in Cervinara: The analyses recorded 0,79 pg/Nm3 I-TEQ in Cervinara, above the threshold.
- Concentrations in Airola: In the vicinity of the fire, dioxin levels were 0,069 pg/Nm3 I-TEQ.
- Atmospheric dynamics: The variations in concentrations are due to the atmospheric conditions that transported the pollutants.
- Continuous monitoring: Surveys will continue even after the fire has been extinguished to assess the evolution of the situation.
