Dioxin levels exceeded the threshold in Cervinara after a fire in Airola: differences in atmospheric concentrations

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.