Irpinia region reports high cancer risk linked to environmental contamination

An investigation into the health effects of potential environmental contamination in the Irpinia territory has revealed concerning data. A scientific collaboration between the Avellino Public Prosecutor's Office and the Higher Institute of Health (ISS) analyzed environmental and health data across 86 municipalities.

The findings indicate that Avellino, Atripalda, and Solofra have the highest Municipal Environmental Risk Indicator (IRC), reaching the maximum level of 6 on a 6-point scale. In these areas, researchers noted significant increases in health risks, including a 21% excess in lung cancer mortality, a 17% increase in overall malignant tumor incidence, and a 25% increase in breast cancer incidence among the female population.

Local officials, including Atripalda Mayor Paolo Spagnuolo, have called for urgent institutional coordination and regional involvement to identify specific environmental risk sources. Concerns were also raised regarding the 296 potentially polluting sites identified in the district, such as industrial plants and waste management facilities, with approximately 51% of residents living within one kilometer of at least one source.