PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," were first identified in Veneto in 2013. These chemicals, which bioaccumulate in groundwater, soil, food chains, and human tissue, have been plaguing the Italian region for the past decade. This has led to contaminated drinking water across 30 municipalities and affecting over 150,000 residents. PFAS are synthetic compounds characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them resistant to degradation in both natural and human environments.
The contamination traces back to industrial activities by the chemical company Miteni, located in Trissino, which has discharged PFAS compounds into local waterways for decades. These substances were used in the production of water-resistant, stain-repellent, and non-stick products, including firefighting foams, textiles, cookware, and electronics.
In response, the Veneto Regional Administration launched environmental monitoring for PFAS in 2013 to map contamination and track source regions. The administration also invested in new aqueducts sourcing uncontaminated water, along with granular activated carbon filters. These two efforts successfully reduced PFAS levels to below detectability by 2018. However, these solutions were funded by a $100 million grant provided by the EIB, which drove inflation and increased debt.
The Veneto regional government funded a comprehensive health surveillance program in areas affected by PFAS contamination. The public investment enabled free blood testing, check-ups, and specialist follow-ups for over 60,000 residents. The program was launched in response to studies showing increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality linked to long-term PFAS exposure.