Italy: Aftermath Of Dioxin Explosion

Record ID: 2460

  • Title: Italy: Aftermath Of Dioxin Explosion
  • Date: 29th July 1976
  • Summary: Early in July there was a minor explosion in an Italian chemical factory manufacturing a dioxin-type defoliant similar to that used by United States forces in Vietnam to kill off vegetation. The seriousness of the explosion and the resultant escape of a small quantity of gas was not realised until local children fell sick and live-stock and pets began to die in increasing numbers. Troops sealed off the Seveso district, near Milan, and helped organise the evacuation of inhabitants as news of a death and increasing sickness was made known. Scientists are uncertain about the long-term effects of the gas on human, animal and plant life at Seveso, but are convinced the area will be unfit to resume its agricultural livelihood for at least three years.
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  • Location: ITALY SEVESO
  • Reuters ID: LDL0010WCJOXR
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
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  • Copyright Holder: Reuters Archive
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2014. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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