For years, between the Venetian provinces of Vicenza, Padua and Verona, an invisible red zone extends to most: it is a heavily polluted area of perfluoroalchilic chemicals, known as PFAS. It is since 2016 that beyond 350,000 people They unconsciously drunk contaminated water, cooked and irrigated fields with a silent and persistent poison.
An unprecedented environmental disaster, silent, which – unfortunately – did not stop at the regional borders.
Today, Pfas pollution concerns Over 17,000 sites throughout Europe. These are substances that are everywhere: non -stick pans, waterproof fabrics, cosmetics, food containers, packaging, fire foam, detergents. But the real alarm is that they entered the food chain, contaminating eggs, meat, fish, milk and even breast milk.
“Eternal pollutants”: what really are PFAS?
I PFAS (acronym for Substances for- and polypluoroalchiliche) I am Ultra-resistant chemical compounds Used in dozens of industrial processes for their non -stick properties, water -repellent and resistant to high temperatures. The problem? Take over 1,000 years to degrade in the environment. For this they are called “Forever Chemicals”, that is Eternal pollutants.
How did we get to this point?
It all starts in 2011along the poslan torrent, in Veneto. Next to the watercourse is the former plant Miteni di Trissinochemical company born in 1964, located on one of the largest aquifers in Europe. Right there, For years, the PFAS have been spilled in the ground and in the groundwatergradually penetrating the drinking water of 21 Venetian municipalities.
The investigations conducted by the Noe (ecological operational unit) of the carabinieri reveal that Miteni was aware of the environmental damage already in 2004when he commissioned an environmental study that highlighted contamination. But the reclamation, very expensive and estimated at around 18 million euros, never left. So, while the company was silent, Tens of thousands of families continued to use contaminated water everyday.
Today, 15 former managers of Miteni They are on trial with very serious accusations: water poisoning, environmental disaster, illegal management of waste, bankruptcy crimes. Meanwhile, the state has invested over 80 million euros To create new aqueducts, but the damage – by now – is widespread: The contamination has gone up to the Adriatic Seaalso reaching other European countries and even the snowfalls of Antarctica.
A global poison, a regulatory silence
In this dramatic context, one of the most disturbing questions remains: Why is there not yet a total ban on the PFAS? In Italy a law has not yet been approved that prohibits the use of these substances. Still, scientific studies leave no doubt: prolonged exposure to PFAS is associated with kidney cancers, thyroid dysfunctions, diabetes, liver and immune damage, problems in pregnancy and reduction of fertility.
The Mamme No Pfas Committeehas been active for years, strongly denounces political inertia. Hundreds of associations ask for a Complete prohibition by 2030. But the times risk being too slow compared to the reach of the problem.
Europe accelerates (but Italy remains behind)
At European level, in the REACH Regulation, the EU Commission has started a total restriction proposal on over 10,000 PFAS in 2023, considered one of the largest ever advanced by the Echa (European Chemicals Agency). The goal is to prohibit the introduction on the market, the use and import of these compounds, with some temporary derogations only for sectors where there are no alternatives.
In parallel, the regulation (EU) 2020/741 on wastewater and the EU directive 2020/2184 on the quality of drinking water provide for the first time specific limits for PFAS in the water intended for human consumption. But the full application belongs to the Member States, and Italy is clearly delay in adoption and control.
Ultimately? Pfas are already within us. It is no longer time for studies, investigations or silences. You need one clear and immediate political choicewith a national law that prohibits these toxic compounds, and a structural investment in the reclamation of contaminated territories. The environment, public health and future generations can no longer wait.
