Sites of National Interest (SIN) represent deep scars in the Italian territory, tangible signs of decades of industrial activity that have devastated the environment and people's health.
In Sardinia, the Sulcis-Iglesiente (South West) and Porto Torres (North West) embody this fateful reality: lands scarred by benzene, vinyl chloride and red mud that contaminate ground waters with detected levels of arsenic and lead well above the permitted limits.
These places, once a symbol of economic progress, now tell a story of degradation and broken promises.
The consequences of this contamination extend beyond the environment, deeply affecting public health. Studies have shown a higher incidence of cancer in the two geographic areas, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal tumors, linked to prolonged exposure to industrial pollutants.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about cognitive deficits in children, potentially associated with heavy metal contamination in the air and water supply.
The long-term effects of these pollutants continue to shape the lives of those who reside in these areas, making the Sulcis-Iglesiente and Porto Torres stark examples of the human cost of industrial neglect.
"Exposure to heavy metals is associated with multiple health effects, varying in severity and condition: kidney and bone problems, neurobehavioral and developmental disorders, high blood pressure, and potentially even lung cancer."
Istituto Superiore di Sanitá
