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.

Afghanistan: what does the future hold?
04/01/2013 - REPORTERS

Afghanistan: what does the future hold?

Will Afghanistan be economically viable when the NATO-led coalition force leaves? Despite the challenges, many Afghans have managed to launch their own companies, with varying degrees of success. Our reporters travelled to Herat, the country’s third-largest city and industrial hub.
(1) comment
The best of FRANCE 24’s special reports in 2012
28/12/2012 - REPORTERS

The best of FRANCE 24’s special reports in 2012

In 2012, France 24 brought you dozens of great reports: Caught in the crossfire in Colombia; a story of hope for democracy in Burma; the fading American dream in Las Vegas; the revival of "made in France". Wherever news was breaking, France 24 was there. We take a look back at some of this year's highlights.
Christians in an Islamic World
21/12/2012 - REPORTERS

Christians in an Islamic World

From Iraq to Egypt, from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, attacks on Christians in majority Muslim countries are on the rise. In the face of growing Islamic radicalism, Christians are struggling to find their place. Some are raising the alarm, while others believe dialogue is still possible.
(2) comments
Quebec: the Maple Leaf Mafia
14/12/2012 - REPORTERS

Quebec: the Maple Leaf Mafia

For the past few months, the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec has been gripped by a tale of corruption involving public officials and the construction industry. The mayors of Montreal and Laval have been forced to resign because of graft on their watch. A public inquiry, known as the Charbonneau Commission, has been set up to look into the scandal.
Romania: 'Hackerville', capital of global cybercrime
07/12/2012 - REPORTERS

Romania: 'Hackerville', capital of global cybercrime

The Romanian town of Ramnicu Valcea has become the world capital of internet fraud. Young hackers, specialised in ripping off naive customers, evading police forces all over the world. Our reporter went to meet them.

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