In the shadow of the Vesuvius, the area of Naples is the subject to a major political, ecological, and sanitary furore. For twenty-two years, approximately 10 million tonnes of industrial waste have been buried in the soil, allegedly with the help of Camorra, the local mafia, and the complicity of mayors from the 106 municipalities. 

 

The industrial waste from 450 Italian and European companies has been mixed with urban waste and abandoned in open dumps. The fires triggered from time to time to reduce the amount of waste produces extremely toxic fumes. These fires have given the area its name: ‘The Land of Fires.’ The waste is repurchased by the mafia at highly favorable prices.

 

The scandal broke in 2013 when a study was conducted and published by the American army at the Corney Park base. The study aimed to control the standard of living of the soldiers stationed around Naples. The research revealed severe water pollution in the region. The report concluded that there was an ‘unacceptable health hazard’ notably due to the presence of uranium. It highlighted the link between the illegally buried waste and the ambient contamination, exposing the significant economical and sanitary consequences of this smuggling. 

 

The number of congenital malformations is 80% superior to the national average, and the number of cancers accounted in the area is in constant increase. Besides, cultivated land pollution damaged the important agricultural activity, subsequently threatening to impact local agrifood industry.

​

The existing projects, documenting the life of the inhabitants who were the most affected by this environmental scandal took a major focus on children who had leukemia and communities, the corrupted landscape as on the activists’ movements asking for an official recognition by the government. 

————————————
In early March 2021, the Italian National Institute of Health released a too-long-awaited report on the health impact of toxic waste buried, confirming the actual connection between the exponential increase in congenital pathologies as the current cancer epidemic caused by prolonged exposure to corresponding carcinogens. In spite of the clamorous ISS report, the Government substantial silence continues, covered by the noise provoked by the continuously updated Covid-19 regulations. 

 

In the light of these significant findings, a new coverage is needed, beginning with reconnecting with the people I worked with years ago. First and foremost is a young woman who, as a 9-year-old girl with Leukemia, fortunately survived. She has since developed a deeper awareness of what happened to her. Moving forward, many people will surely have much to say about the recent developments.