Chronic exposure to arsenic (As) via drinking water is related to several health effects, i.e. cancers, diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Health effects are well documented for population exposed to high levels and some studies also report evidence for low-medium levels (50-100 µg/L). In response, an EC Directive set a limit of As<10 µg/L in drinking water in 2010. In Italy several areas exceed this limit, including 91 municipalities in the Lazio region (provinces of Viterbo, Latina and Rome), due to the volcanic origin of the territory. This represents is a major public health concern to deal with.

The DEP coordinates a Regional study that investigates the association between As exposure via drinking water and health effects (mortality, disease incidence) in the 91 municipalities of the Lazio Region during  the period 1990-2009. Furthermore, a pilot study which includes bio-monitoring measures among residents of the Viterbo province is ongoing.

Related activities

• S.Epi.As. Project Ministry of Health - CCM
• “Valutazione Epidemiologica degli effetti sulla salute e biomonitoraggio dell’esposizione ad arsenico nei comuni del Lazio”.
• Lazio Region Mortality Information System

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