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Impact of the 1976 Manfredonia accidental release of arsenic Environmental Contamination: The arsenic release had devastating effects on the environment. The release led to widespread soil and water contamination, affecting local agriculture and ecosystems. The arsenic settled in the soil, posing long-term risks to both the environment and human health (1).

Health risks: Initial assessments indicated potential acute health risks for workers present during the accident and residents in the vicinity. The immediate health effects included respiratory issues and skin irritation due to exposure to airborne arsenic (2). Local hospitals and clinics reported an increase in cases of arsenic-related symptoms, particularly among workers at the plant and residents living in proximity to the plant. However, the full extent of arsenic exposure and its health consequences became apparent only over time, as cases of chronic health conditions, including skin and lung cancers, appeared in the population.

Legal and political consequences: The Manfredonia arsenic release had far-reaching legal and political ramifications. Enichem faced lawsuits from affected residents and environmental groups, who demanded compensation for the health and environmental damages. The incident also led to public outcry over the lack of safety measures and oversight in Italy’s industrial sector. In response, the Italian government enacted stricter environmental regulations and increased oversight of chemical plants. These measures included improved reporting of toxic releases, stricter pollution limits, and more rigorous safety protocols for industrial facilities. The disaster raised awareness of the health risks associated with industrial pollution and contributed to Italy’s adoption of EU safety standards and environmental protection laws in subsequent years.

References 1. Liberti, L., & Polemio, M. (1981). Arsenic accidental soil contamination near Manfredonia. A case history. Journal of Environmental Science and Health . Part A: Environmental Science and Engineering, 16(3), 297–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/10934528109374983 2.Gianicolo, E. A. L., Mangia, C., Cervino, M., Bruni, A., Portaluri, M., Comba, P., Pirastu, R., Biggeri, A., Vigotti, M., & Blettner, M. (2019). Long-term effects of arsenic exposure: Results from an occupational cohort study. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 62(3), 229–239. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22939