Question

Seveso disaster and its effects on health and environment

Answer 1

Hello there!

The Seveso disaster is about an accident at a chemical factory in Seveso,Italy (1976).  The highly toxic compound dioxin was released to the environment and to the people living around the area. Specifically, TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin), the most dangerous type of dioxin and a class-1 carcinogen (WHO).

This dioxin was found to cause damage to the thyroid gland of the babies in pregnant mothers. Furthermore, exposure of pregnant women to dioxin can lead to permanent damage to the development of their babies; low intellectual development and reduced growth. This effect was also observed in animals (mice).

Cases of cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases were also attributed to the aftermath of the Seveso disaster.

The vegetation, water, and animals in the area were also exposed to the chemical leading to chemical contamination.

I hope this will help you!