Explosion at Calenzano oil depot, health risks

According to media reports, the ENI plant in Calenzano is one of 25 companies in Tuscany at risk of a major accident. The Regional Agency for Environmental Protection (ARPAT) inspected the site in 2017, 2020 and 2023. In the previous year, ARPAT did not request any corrective actions. However, in 2017 and 2020, the safety management system needed improvement. Alessandro Miani, president of the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine, said the explosion’s potential risks are linked to ground-level fallout. It is crucial to monitor for pollutants such as furans and dioxins, which persist in the environment, to guarantee public safety. Avoid fruit and vegetables harvested near the explosion site until safety checks have been completed. It is also advisable to wash the floors of balconies and terraces and, in cases where individuals have been exposed to fumes, to wash clothes. In the event of a fire, take shelter or evacuate. Masks protect against some pollutants but may allow smaller particles to pass through. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, headaches, or irritation of the mucous membranes, experts advise.