Heavy metals present in ‘Terra dei Fuochi’ (Land of Fire) oncology patients
5.8.2016
Question for written answer E-006220-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Piernicola Pedicini (EFDD)
A study was presented during the Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery (SIO) Congress in May 2016, carried out by a research doctor in collaboration with the University of Naples' Faculty of Pharmacy. The study investigated the level and typology of contaminants in the blood and hair of a group of people resident in the ‘Terra dei Fuochi’ in Campania which presents oncological pathologies, thyroiditis or neurodegenerative diseases and birth defects.
14 heavy metals and 12 more carcinogenic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) were measured in these patients' blood and the results have shown that all the persons who had tumours in the head and neck region, especially in the main respiratory tracts, registered positive for a certain number of heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyl, with a higher than average frequency and a significant quantity of substances.
Can the Commission state:
- 1.What actions are Italy and the Region of Campania adopting to ensure a higher level of environmental and human health protection as laid down by Article 191 of the TFEU;
- 2.What is the amount of penalties that Italy has been ordered to pay due to the ‘Terra dei Fuochi’?