TARANTO – The director of the Epidemiology and Care Intelligence area of Aress Puglia, on the issue of updating the epidemiological study on Taranto also relating to the emissions of the former Ilva, confirms that «in relation to the declarations of Professor Marescotti regarding the updating of the cohort study, the activity is ongoing, as planned.”
The activity – it is explained – has recently been included in the broader framework of initiatives to protect health and the environment”.
“Unfortunately – he adds – it is not possible to ignore that the pandemic has led to a reduction in diagnostic activity in the two-year period 2020-2021, throughout Italy, and it was therefore appropriate to provide for an extension of the observation period to include at least 2023″ . «It should however be specified – he continues – that the update of the cohort study concluded in 2016 and the subsequent difference in difference study published in 2019 have already supported, in an unequivocal way for us, the existence of a causal link between the emissions of the steel industry and mortality from lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases, also suggesting the association with other outcomes, both cancer and non-tumor.”
«The ongoing research activities – he concludes – have the aim of extending the observation to other health effects, to contribute to the construction of evidence between exposure to industrial pollution and diseases».
THE REQUEST FOR PEACELINK TO THE REGION
«In the context of the start of the Ambiente Svenduto appeal process, Peacelink renews its commitment to defending the health of Taranto citizens and expresses deep concern for the delay in updating the epidemiological study on Taranto, carried out by Francesco Forastiere. This study was very important for the Ambiente Svenduto trial which led to harsh sentences at first instance considering the gravity of the scientific evidence brought to light.” This was underlined by the president of Peacelink Alessandro Marescotti on the day of the start of the appeal process linked to the Ambiente Svenduto investigation for the alleged environmental disaster caused by the former Ilva during the management of Riva. Peacelink is among the civil parties.
«The study in question, which is fundamental – adds Marescotti – to understand the cause-effect link between the pollutants produced by Ilva and the health of citizens, was left to languish for a good eight years after a first update in 2016. Despite the commitments made publicly by the president of the Puglia Region, Michele Emiliano, for his update, today, in 2024, we find ourselves faced with a serious delay”.
Peacelink has «constantly requested – explains the environmentalist – the updating of this vital study, receiving only promises and postponements from the regional authorities. We have written again to the Puglia Region, demanding immediate and clear answers. We ask President Michele Emiliano to take responsibility for this delay and to provide valid explanations to the Taranto community. Citizens’ health cannot be sacrificed on the altar of bureaucratic inertia.”
Tags: epidemiological study underway Taranto
