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Review
. 2013:2013:753719.
doi: 10.1155/2013/753719. Epub 2013 Dec 24.

Environment and health in contaminated sites: the case of Taranto, Italy

Roberta Pirastu  1 , Pietro Comba  2 , Ivano Iavarone  2 , Amerigo Zona  2 , Susanna Conti  3 , Giada Minelli  3 , Valerio Manno  3 , Antonia Mincuzzi  4 , Sante Minerba  4 , Francesco Forastiere  5 , Francesca Mataloni  5 , Annibale Biggeri  6
Affiliations
Review

Environment and health in contaminated sites: the case of Taranto, Italy

Roberta Pirastu et al. J Environ Public Health. 2013.

Abstract

The National Environmental Remediation programme in Italy includes sites with documented contamination and associated potential health impacts (National Priority Contaminated Sites-NPCSs). SENTIERI Project, an extensive investigation of mortality in 44 NPCSs, considered the area of Taranto, a NPCS where a number of polluting sources are present. Health indicators available at municipality level were analyzed, that is, mortality (2003-2009), mortality time trend (1980-2008), and cancer incidence (2006-2007). In addition, the cohort of individuals living in the area was followed up to evaluate mortality (1998-2008) and morbidity (1998-2010) by district of residence. The results of the study consistently showed excess risks for a number of causes of death in both genders, among them: all causes, all cancers, lung cancer, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, both acute and chronic. An increased infant mortality was also observed from the time trends analysis. Mortality/morbidity excesses were detected in residents living in districts near the industrial area, for several disorders including cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. These coherent findings from different epidemiological approaches corroborate the need to promptly proceed with environmental cleanup interventions. Most diseases showing an increase in Taranto NPCS have a multifactorial etiology, and preventive measures of proven efficacy (e.g., smoking cessation and cardiovascular risk reduction programs, breast cancer screening) should be planned. The study results and public health actions are to be communicated objectively and transparently so that a climate of confidence and trust between citizens and public institutions is maintained.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Overall mortality. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000 (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Men.
Figure 2
Figure 2
All cancers. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Men.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Lung cancer. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Men.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Circulatory diseases. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Men.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Ischaemic heart diseases. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Men.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Respiratory diseases. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Men.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Acute respiratory diseases. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Men.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Chronic respiratory diseases. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Men.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Overall mortality. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000 (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Women.
Figure 10
Figure 10
All cancer. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Women.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Lung cancers. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Women.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Circulatory diseases. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Women.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Ischaemic heart diseases. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Women.
Figure 14
Figure 14
Respiratory diseases. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Women.
Figure 15
Figure 15
Acute respiratory diseases. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Women.
Figure 16
Figure 16
Chronic respiratory diseases. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000, from selected causes of death (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). All ages. Women.
Figure 17
Figure 17
Overall mortality. Trends in age-standardised (Italian Census 2001) death rates per 100.000 (1980–2008) (2004-2005 data were not available). Infant Mortality (0 yrs).
Figure 18
Figure 18
Taranto study area, districts.
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