Ambiente e salute a Gela: stato delle conoscenze e prospettive di studio

This paper is the result of the experiences developed within the "Multidisciplinary working group on environment, exposure and health in Gela polluted site" with the main goal of integrating the knowledge about the cycle of polluting substances, from their production to the migration in the environment, to the evaluation of health effects in the area of Gela (Sicily). The working group carries out the activity as a contribution to the following projects: Evaluation of environmental health impact and estimation of economic costs at of National Interest Remediatioin Sites coordinated by the Italian National Institute of Health on behalf of the Ministry for the Environment, and Technical Assistance of WHO Health and Environment Center to the Sicilian Region (Environment and Health Department, Risk Areas Office) to develop plans for environmental remediation. The results present useful reccomendations for the design of environmental and health surveys in areas with relevant pressure factors, to build the knowledge on the relation between pollution, exposure and health effect for the construction of a specific interpretative model.