Results of a study by the CNR (National Research Council) on mercury in the blood of people living in the towns of Augusta, Melilli and Priolo
14.1.2019
Question for written answer E-000146-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ignazio Corrao (EFDD) , Isabella Adinolfi (EFDD) , Dario Tamburrano (EFDD) , Fabio Massimo Castaldo (EFDD)
The discharge of waste water from the chlor-alkali plant (which was uncontrolled at least until the end of the 1970s) has led to a serious state of mercury contamination in the marine environment of the Rada di Augusta area.
Alarming levels of mercury have recently been measured in both the abiotic environment (sediment, seawater, atmosphere) and the fisheries industry. The study carried out by the CNR (Italian National Research Council) and the Siracusa Provincial Health Authority has identified high levels of mercury in the blood and hair of the people being studied, which are directly attributable to the consumption of local fish.
The provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) calculated is in excess of the FAO/WHO safety value, especially for those living in Augusta; this is exposing local citizens, who are already tormented by cancer and other diseases, to further serious health risks.
To date, there is no ad hoc directive on industrial centres, which would provide for more stringent monitoring.
Can the Commission say:
- 1.Whether the failure to remediate the contaminated areas and to reduce the risk of human, maritime and fish contamination in the Augusta-Priolo-Melli triangle is in breach of more than one EU directive;
- 2.What action it intends to take in respect of the competent authorities to ensure that remediation work is carried out;
- 3.What EU regulatory instruments can currently be used to verify the need for remediation in industrial centres and to earmark more funding for that purpose?