Swift Response to Industrial Fire in Caivano

A important fire erupted at the Chimpex chemical plant in the ASI area of Caivano, near Pascarola, prompting immediate action from environmental agencies and local authorities. The blaze, which started shortly before 5:00 PM, triggered concerns about the release of dangerous pollutants, particularly dioxins, into the atmosphere.

Fortunately,all 70 employees were able to evacuate the facility safely,and no injuries have been reported.

Air Quality Monitoring Underway

Following the incident, Arpac technicians, alerted by the Naples Prefecture, were deployed to assess the levels of atmospheric pollutants. The existing air quality monitoring network, which includes a fixed station near the industrial area of Caivano, is being utilized. Additionally, a mobile laboratory has been positioned near Pascarola to provide hourly measurements of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, and xylene. Crucially, monitoring for dioxins and furans, highly toxic compounds that can be released during industrial fires, is also being initiated.

The results of these investigations will be made public as soon as they become available.Dioxins, persistent environmental pollutants, are known to accumulate in the food chain and can pose significant health risks, even at low concentrations.According to the World Health Institution (WHO), exposure to dioxins can led to a range of health problems, including immune system suppression, reproductive and developmental issues, and even cancer.

School Closures and Public safety Measures

In response to the potential health risks posed by the smoke plume, numerous municipalities in the vicinity of the fire have ordered the closure of schools. This precautionary measure aims to minimize exposure, particularly for children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

The following municipalities have announced school closures:

• Caivano
• Casalnuovo
• Casoria
• Casandrino
• Frattamaggiore
• Frattaminore
• Afragola
• Acerra
• crispano
• Marcianise (Casertano)
• Orta di Atella (Casertano)
• Santa Maria a Vico (Casertano)

Naples Issues Public Health Advisory

While schools in Naples remain open, the municipal government has issued a public advisory outlining precautionary measures for residents, particularly those in areas possibly affected by the smoke plume.

The advisory recommends the following:

• Avoid prolonged outdoor activities.
• Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consumption.
• Close doors, windows, and ventilation systems to prevent smoke from entering buildings.
• Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems that draw in outside air.

For those who may be near the smoke, the advisory suggests:

• covering the nose and mouth with a damp cloth.
• Seeking immediate shelter indoors and avoiding deep breathing.

The municipality also urges residents to avoid gathering outdoors to observe the smoke plume, as winds could carry irritants that affect the respiratory system. Additionally, residents are advised not to dry clothes outdoors.

Anyone experiencing respiratory problems or burning sensations in the respiratory tract is urged to seek immediate medical attention.

Political reaction

Deputy Carmela Auriemma, vice president of the M5S group in the Chamber of Deputies, expressed her concern about the potential environmental and health impacts of the fire. I am very worried about the impact that the gigantic fire of the factory of chemicals in the industrial area of ​​Caivano could have on the habitat and on the health of citizens. She stated that she is closely monitoring the situation through continuous contact with the Prefecture and expressed gratitude to the firefighters for their prompt response. Auriemma emphasized the importance of implementing appropriate measures to protect public health considering the potential pollution caused by the fire.