Human consequences
Nearly 200 cases of chloracne, mostly among children; several hundred residents evacuated.
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IndustrialSeveso disaster
0Deaths
Not quantifiedDisplaced / homeless
Not quantifiedEstimated cost
- No immediate deaths attributed, but thousands of dead animals and long-term health effects.
A runaway reaction at the ICMESA chemical plant releases a cloud containing TCDD dioxin, one of the most toxic compounds known, over several towns.
Consequences
Environmental consequences
About 80,000 animals are slaughtered; the most contaminated layer of soil is removed and buried.
Economic consequences
The parent company, Hoffmann-La Roche, pays substantial compensation.
Political consequences
The European “Seveso” Directive (1982) now regulates hazardous industrial sites.
Further reading
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In the rankings : The worst industrial and nuclear disasters No. 10
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