The ICMESA accident. First intervention for the protection of man and environment

This paper deals with the steps taken by the local, regional and central health authorities, in association with the academic world, to cope with the consequences of the disastrous chemical event of 10 July 1976 in the Seveso area of Milan, Italy. After a description of the accident and a brief summary of the acute effects of TCDD on the environment, animals, and humans, the paper describes the tiresome but successful efforts to discover the cause of the event. It subsequently details the results of environmental and clinical tests, and of the epidemiological research both on acute (chloracne) and on possible mid- and long-term chronic effects for humans. The complex organization set up after the accident, in the author's opinion, was successful in preventing major consequences to health. In particular, the evacuation of the inhabitants of zone A, and the limitations and instructions to the inhabitants of zone B, were the basis for health protection and made it possible the restoration of the whole area to its previous state within a few years. The event prompted unprecedented co-operation between the research institutions and the institutional health and environmental management by calling for contributions from national and international universities and research centers. Hence, Seveso, instead of being a disaster, became a moment of progress and improved knowledge which inspired the European Union's "Seveso" directives.