A new scientific study published in Science of the Total Environment has uncovered alarming levels of toxic elements in the air of Italy’s “land of fires”—a region in Campania known for having one of the highest cancer rates in Europe. The findings indicate that even areas previously considered unpolluted are affected, raising serious concerns for public health.
Moss as a bioindicator of pollution
Researchers from the University of Naples Federico II and the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) in Philadelphia used the moss Scorpiurum circinatum as a bioindicator to monitor air pollution. The team deployed so-called “moss bags”—small mesh sacks containing samples of the moss—in six locations across two areas: the forest of the Royal Palace of Carditello, a rural, scarcely inhabited site, and an industrial zone in Giugliano in Campania, a hotspot for illegal waste dumping.
Pollution found where least expected
The most troubling discovery was that contamination levels were similar in both the rural and industrial sites. After just three weeks of exposure, the moss had already absorbed significant amounts of arsenic, mercury, lead, and other hazardous metals. Further analysis revealed oxidative stress and cellular damage, indicating that even short-term exposure can be biologically harmful.
Monte Faito: a clean benchmark
As a control site, researchers selected Monte Faito, a remote mountain area free from pollution sources. Moss samples from this location showed no significant levels of contaminants, reinforcing the seriousness of the pollution in the test areas.
Toxic fumes spread beyond waste sites
The findings suggest that toxic fumes from waste fires are not confined to illegal landfills but disperse widely across the region. As co-author Adriana Basile explains, “There’s no longer any safe zone in the affected area. Even places that appear ‘clean’ are now compromised by widespread contamination.”
Public health in peril: a call for one health
The study underscores the importance of the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The visible damage in moss reflects a potential health threat to residents exposed to these pollutants daily, emphasizing the need for urgent environmental remediation.
Expert voices demand immediate action
Iris Maria Forte, a SHRO researcher who has previously worked on the region, stressed that the findings “scientifically confirm the severity of the pollution and the need for immediate action.” SHRO president and co-author Antonio Giordano added, “There’s no longer any doubt—toxic waste fumes permeate the entire ecosystem. In light of these results and the recent European court ruling, we must act swiftly to clean up and protect both the environment and public health.”