Now at the Campi Flegrei there is fear of geochemical risk: in addition to volcanism and bradyseism, experts speak of a possible leak of toxic gases.
Over the last year, the area of Phlegraean Fields has been involved in a long series of phenomena that have alarmed experts and the entire population. Located on the caldera of a large supervolcano that has long been in a state of quiescence, this region has always been characterized by lively volcanic activity, which usually manifests itself with the release of steam. But something seems to have moved in its depths, so much so that the entire area is now considered at risk due to volcanism and bradyseism. Scientists, however, have recently discovered the existence of a third danger that should not be underestimated: possible release of toxic gases.
Campi Flegrei, the risk of toxic gases
For months now the Campi Flegrei area is considered at risk. Continuous earthquake tremors, although not excessively violent, caused the ground to shake for a long time, causing inconvenience among the population. However, this is a normal phenomenon, given that the region lies above the caldera of a supervolcano which – although in a dormant phase – has recently shown signs of slight activity. It is also important to keep in mind that the area has always been affected by bradyseism, which consists of vertical movement (whether lowering or raising) of the ground.
In this case, seismic tremors of short duration and repeated over time and a higher than usual ground level represent events which, although worrying, seem do not cause particular alarm. According to experts, in fact, there are no signs of an imminent volcanic eruption, nor is it currently possible to imagine that an earthquake of such intensity would seriously put the population at risk. Now, however, something emerges third danger which you need to pay attention to. This concerns the possible release of toxic gases.
As stated in the health plan of the Campania Region, “based on the information available up to now on the emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, it is not possible to ignore the consideration of a chemical risk of exposure due to widespread contamination of the ambient air which is not known a priori in quantitative terms”. In short, it is possible that the atmosphere is contaminated by these three gases, both individually and in compounds that can prove even more dangerous. However, it is not predictable whether this will happen and at what level.
Because the situation is not (yet) alarming
At the moment, the alarm hasn’t gone off yet. The situation appears to be under control and the Federico II University, together with the Metropolitan City of Naples, has started geochemical investigations to investigate the main causes of anomalous accumulation levels of carbon dioxide. In the meantime, we are actively preparing in case the risk becomes more real, throughorganization of collective prevention following the air quality assessment. And it is even possible that removal to a safe area will be advised.
Precisely on the basis of this, the health plan (created following the instructions of President Vincenzo De Luca) provides some fundamental security measures. Including the evacuation and destination of 1,506 patients distributed in hospitals, clinics and residences for the elderly in the red zone relating to volcanic risk. In fact, we know, based on scientific literature, that the toxicity of the three gases that could escape is very high, e.g its health effects are known. For the moment, however, there are no significant changes in the parameters.
