Veneto monitors air quality after fire at Porto Marghera and high ozone levels

A fire broke out at the Multiservice iron‑scrap depot in Porto Marghera, Veneto, on the evening of 31 July. The blaze was quickly extinguished and regional environmental authorities, led by Environment and Civil Protection Minister Elisa Venturini, activated immediate air‑quality monitoring. The regional agency ARPAV reported that initial analyses showed no critical pollution, reassuring residents while continuing surveillance.

On the same day, ARPAV’s fixed monitoring station in Padua recorded ozone concentrations that peaked at 199 µg/m³, surpassing the 180 µg/m³ alert threshold. Health officials warned that prolonged exposure at these levels can irritate eyes, nose, throat and respiratory systems, especially for children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with asthma or heart conditions. They advised limiting outdoor activity during peak sunlight hours and ventilating indoor spaces when possible.