The Seveso Disaster was an industrial accident that took place on the 10th of July, 1976.
The accident took place in a small chemical manufacturing plant which is approximately 20 kilometres north of Milan in the Lombardy region of Italy.
It is called the Seveso Disaster because Seveso, a community populated with 17,000 residents in 1976, were the most affected by this catastrophe. Neighbouring communities that were also affected are located in Meda, Desio, Cesano Maderno, Barlassina and Bovisio Masciago.
The industrial plant was located in Meda and was owned by the company Industrie Chimiche Meda Societa Azionaria or otherwise recognized as ICMESA. Residents did not perceive the factory to be a source of danger since the factory had been there for many years.
In 1969, the factory produced 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (TCP), a by-product used mainly in the preparation of an acid. The derivatives which are used as herbicides and the preparation of an antibacterial substance, hexachlorophenol.
The by-product of the chemical process produced 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD). This compound is known to be a carcinogen and has never been produced commercially.
Dioxins are known to cause reproductive, immune and development effects in mammals and can cause severe damage to the liver of people who are exposed to high levels of the compound. High exposures of dioxin may cause chloracne, a serious skin condition that resembles very bad acne.
WHAT HAPPENED :
The plant was preparing for its shut down in the afternoon on Saturday, 10th of July 1976. During this planned shut down, the facility was finalizing a batch of its chemicals containing dioxin. The production of the compound relied on the ability to control the liquid's temperature. Proper temperatures could not be maintained to finish the production of its final chemical batch due to the low levels of power as the facility was shutting down.
Operators decided to heat the final chemical batch with steam instead of following normal operating procedures. The operators in charge did not posses the equipment to accurately measure the steam temperature. The stirrer was stopped and the reactor was shut down according to procedure. Due to their inability to read an accurate temperature, a reaction had occurred that did not allow the final batch of chemicals to cool down.
The relief valve was triggered, releasing concentrated amounts of dioxin into the air. This spread throughout Seveso, overwhelming its residents and animals.
There were 3 different categorized zones depending on the levels of contamination. They were categorized from most contaminated, Zone A followed by Zone B and R which were less contaminated.
There were 3 different categorized zones depending on the levels of contamination. They were categorized from most contaminated, Zone A followed by Zone B and R which were less contaminated.
EFFECTS:
Plants and animals that inhibited the area of contamination were maimed. Reports state thousands of farm animals died or had to be destroyed. Around 80,000 animals were killed to prevent contamination to the food chain. More than 2.5 tons of contaminated soil was removed to ensure crop planting could begin again.
In the following months, 193 individuals were found to have chloracne. An approximate 8% of the exposed population had livers that were enlarged and few others showed signs of minor nerve damage. Women that were exposed to this toxic atmosphere had high rates of miscarriage and deformed children.
Skin disorders, proper functionality of the liver, cancer and other respiratory diseases have been associated to the accident. The immediate effects due to contamination were burn-like skin lesions, liver enzyme induction and chloracne. The post-accident effects are birth defects, cancer, and babies born with thyroid complications.
No Human Lives Were Lost in This Disaster
Counter measures have been taken to avoid such negligence and future reoccurrence. The Seveso Directive aims at prevention, preparedness, and response to accidents involving dangerous substances in the industry in the EU. The Basel Convention was adopted to prevent the transfer of pollutants across borders.
Failures in technical measure have permanently obstructed the lives of many in Seveso. Even after 43 years, the deadly effects of the carcinogen is felt. Efforts are still being made to ensure the safety and longevity of the residents who occupy Seveso.
Failures in technical measure have permanently obstructed the lives of many in Seveso. Even after 43 years, the deadly effects of the carcinogen is felt. Efforts are still being made to ensure the safety and longevity of the residents who occupy Seveso.
References & Pictures:
http://qr.villegentilizielombarde.org/en/villas/the-oak-wood/outdoor/icmesa-una-fabbrica-chimica-del-territorio/
http://archive.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/uu21le/uu21le09.htm
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-happened-during-the-seveso-disaster.html
https://www.aria.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/fiche_detaillee/5620_en/?lang=en
https://www.talonlpe.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-environmental-health-safety-seveso-disaster
https://hubpages.com/politics/Seveso-man-made-disaster
http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/sragtech/caseseveso76.htm
https://tunameltsblog.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/daily-truth-do-you-know-about-seveso/
Really good read.
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