Biomonitoring studies: bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls and heavy metals,

In 1990, the Italian Ministry of the Environment declared a 276-km2 area - which includes the municipalities of Gela, Niscemi and Butera - a high-risk area (see Chapter 1). Gela, a coastal city located in the south of Sicily, had a population of 77 145 people in 2008 (54 774 in 1961). In 2008, the municipalities of Niscemi (332 m above sea level) and Butera (402 m above sea level) had 26 541 and 5063 inhabitants, respectively. In 2000, on the basis of the documented presence of soil contamination or hazardous waste, 51 km2 of Gela (corresponding to private, industrial, public and marine areas) were designated a site of national concern (see "Introduction" in Chapter 6). In this area, extremely high levels of toxic, persistent and bioaccumulating chemical pollutants have been detected in soil, surface and groundwater, as well as in marine water and sediments (Musmeci et al., 2009). In the last decade, descriptive epidemiological studies have provided evidence of highly significant adverse health outcomes (see Chapter 5). Prior to the analytical epidemiological study described in the present chapter, the data produced by industry, to characterize chemical substances measured in soil, surface water and groundwater in the national sites of concern, were evaluated by an ad hoc multidisciplinary group (Musmeci et al., 2009). Although data on environmental matrices and health outcomes are available for the area of national concern, these data are scattered and lack organization. Considering the data available on polluting chemicals, and taking into account their toxic properties, the multidisciplinary group produced a list of chemicals defined as index substances. This list represents a priority set for environment and health assessments (Musmeci et al., 2009). The human biomonitoring study described in the present chapter aims to improve the knowledge of exposure of the residents of the municipalities of Gela, Niscemi and Butera to selected pollutants. The study surveyed the development of a communication plan: dissemination of information, contacts with local communities, meetings, training activities and the involvement of stakeholders. The study started in 2008, and its results were presented publicly in July 2009.