Human Exposure to Dioxins and Other Contaminants Following an Accidental Fire at the Fiumicino Airport (Italy): A Public Health Response
Stefania Paola De Filippis,
Vittorio Abate,
Silvia De Luca,
Anna Rita Fulgenzi,
Nicola Iacovella,
Anna Laura Iamiceli,
Anna Maria Ingelido,
Gaetano Settimo,
Maria Eleonora Soggiu,
Elena De Felip
Affiliations
Stefania Paola De Filippis
Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Vittorio Abate
Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Silvia De Luca
Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Anna Rita Fulgenzi
Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Nicola Iacovella
Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Anna Laura Iamiceli
Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Anna Maria Ingelido
Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Gaetano Settimo
Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Maria Eleonora Soggiu
Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Elena De Felip
Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
In May 2015, a fire occurred at Terminal 3 of the Rome–Fiumicino International Airport. To respond to the health concern associated with the resulting emissions of combustion products, Pier D of Terminal 3 underwent a pre-emptive sequestration. The Italian National Institute of Health was asked to carry out environmental monitoring of the affected areas, and to evaluate the related risk for health. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in air samples in the pre- and post-remediation phases. Results showed a decrease of 44% of the cumulative concentrations at Pier D after the remediation operations compared to those detected before. The human exposure assessment carried out after the remediation operations confirmed that there were no risks for people in the Terminal which was then reopened. Due to the lack of quality limit values or Italian national guidelines for indoor air, WHO air quality guidelines or legislative/guidance documents of other European countries were considered for the air quality assessment.
