Latest update: 26/10/2012 

- environment - health - industry - Italy - pollution - steel


Italy's Ilva factory: your job or your health?

No Flash warning
To take advantage of all the features on FRANCE24.COM, please click here to download the latest version of Flash Player.

An Italian court has ruled in favour of closing Europe's biggest steel works on environmental and health fears. But the plant's managers are fighting to keep it open. Determined not to let that happen, citizens and workers have formed a united front.

REPORTERS
By Tristan Dessert

The chimneys of the Ilva factory, in Taranto, in the Apulia region of Italy, can be seen for miles around. For a long time, they were the pride of the region. A third of Italy's steel output is produced here and it is the biggest steel works in Europe.

But there is a less glorious reality, which has long been hidden. The plant alone is responsible for 92% of the dioxin emissions in Italy and 9% of those in Europe. The air and soil of the town are contaminated by lead, nick and iron ore. For years, residents have been breathing in these toxic particles.

In Taranto, the mortality rate is 10 to 15 percent higher than the national average, while the cancer rate is over 30 percent higher. Cases of tumours, leukaemia and respiratory diseases are also abnormally high.

Tracking the Italian mafia's powerful 'Ndrangheta'
17/05/2013 - REPORTERS

Tracking the Italian mafia's powerful 'Ndrangheta'

In recent years, the 'Ndrangheta has become the largest and most feared of the four criminal organizations in Italy, alongside the Camorra in the Naples area, Cosa Nostra in Sicily and Sacra Corona Unita in Apulia. Specializing in drug trafficking, the 'Ndrangheta has globalized in recent years. Our reporter investigates in Calabria, the organization's heartland.
Middle East: Munib al-Masri, the godfather of Nablus
10/05/2013 - REPORTERS

Middle East: Munib al-Masri, the godfather of Nablus

In the West Bank, everyone calls him "The Godfather". Munib al-Masri, 80, is not only the richest Palestinian in the Palestinian Territories; he is also one of the most influential. In his final years, he is obsessed by two goals: reconciling the Palestinians, and making peace with Israel. Our reporters met him and followed him on the road in the Middle East.
Pakistan: Imran Khan, from the cricket field to politics
03/05/2013 - REPORTERS

Pakistan: Imran Khan, from the cricket field to politics

When Pakistanis go to the polls to choose a new prime minister on May 11th, one candidate could seriously shake up the race. Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who led the country to victory in its favourite sport, now wants to lead the country. Our reporters followed him on the campaign trail.
(2) comments
Syria: Aleppo’s tales of war
26/04/2013 - REPORTERS

Syria: Aleppo’s tales of war

Two years into the revolution, Aleppo’s resistance shows no sign of letting up. France 24 brings you a portrait of the rebels who refuse to abandon their city to Bashar al-Assad. Their struggle seems desperate, but they are nonetheless resolute and determined, as our reporter Stephan Villeneuve found out.
Mali: Who controls Kidal?
19/04/2013 - REPORTERS

Mali: Who controls Kidal?

In Kidal, northern Mali, danger is never far away. Neither the Malian government nor its army is anywhere to be seen – neither is welcome here. Tuareg rebels are determined to keep control of the region, which they call Azawad. For now, Franco-Chadian forces maintain an uneasy peace. But the planned withdrawal of French troops could leave the Chadians sitting on a powder keg.

React to the article
Comment this article typing your message in the above text zone. Please note that this is limited to 1500 characters or less.
(1) Reaction

Let eveyone decide for

by mikloshalasz@ho... - 18/11/2012 - 09:34

Let eveyone decide for himself or herself and do not just forbide the factory to work have the operation the journalist can describe everything as a pest even it it not so. and tausend of peole should stay without work read for the day?? Easy in the newspeper ofice to polemizing abou life but when u have 4children home is diferent

Read more
Close