Italian Air Force officer recognized as Victim of Duty due to asbestos

Ezio Bonanni, president of the Osservatorio Nazionale Amianto (ONA), has detailed a legal case involving an Italian Air Force non-commissioned officer, identified as C. M., who was recognized as a ‘Victim of Duty’ due to professional asbestos exposure.

C. M. served as an aircraft driver and maintenance technician. Following his death, a legal battle ensued regarding the rights of his children. The Italian Court of Cassation intervened to overturn a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal of Naples, recognizing the necessity to re-evaluate the position of the orphans, even though they were not fiscally dependent on their father.

In a parallel civil proceeding, the Court of Naples granted compensation for bereavement. The case highlights broader concerns regarding asbestos exposure within military environments, specifically noting that such risks are not limited to the Navy but also affect Air Force personnel involved in technical maintenance tasks.