Veneto Region, Italy, October 14, 2025 — The Veneto Region has launched an ambitious retrospective epidemiological study involving over 50,000 residents in the Vicenza area to investigate historical PFAS exposure and identify potential links to chronic diseases.
This marks a significant step in managing contamination from these “forever chemicals” and provides a model that could prove essential for the entire nation.
Understanding PFAS
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a large family of synthetic chemical compounds used for their water-repellent, oil-repellent, and heat-resistant properties. They are called “forever chemicals” because they degrade very slowly in the environment and tend to accumulate in living organisms.
Scientific research indicates that exposure to elevated levels of certain PFAS has been associated with:
- Liver damage
- Thyroid function alterations
- Obesity and dyslipidemia
- Fertility disorders
- Increased risk of certain cancers
Study Details
The new investigation is promoted by ULSS 8 Berica, Veneto Region, Regional Epidemiological Service of Azienda Zero, and the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità).
The residential retrospective epidemiological research will analyze demographic, health, and environmental data from 1980 to present. The study does not include direct clinical examinations but relies on health registries, hospital admissions, and municipal records to estimate risks associated with various diseases related to exposure.
Data will be collected from residents in municipalities within the “red zone” most affected by PFAS contamination in drinking water. Since 2017, the Veneto Region has already activated a health surveillance plan for the exposed population, including voluntary screenings and biomonitoring investigations.
National Implications
While the study focuses on the Vicenza area, PFAS contamination is not limited to Veneto. Analysis conducted by Greenpeace has detected PFAS traces in drinking water across many Italian regions.
Italy does not yet have a national limit for total PFAS content in drinking water until 2026. European Directive 2020/2184, whose Italian implementation is scheduled for early 2026, establishes a limit value (sum of 24 PFAS) of 100 ng/L.
Results from the Veneto study could serve as a national reference model to:
- Develop guidelines for surveillance and prevention
- Define central regional policies
- Raise public awareness about an underestimated environmental risk
Health Impact Evidence
A University of Padua study estimated that between 1985 and 2018, approximately 3,800 excess deaths occurred in the contaminated area of Veneto compared to expected rates, linking PFAS exposure to increased mortality from cardiovascular causes.
Other recent research has found dose-response relationships between PFAS levels and effects on the immune system, birth weight, miscarriages, and behavioral disorders. However, many aspects remain unclear, particularly the impact of low but prolonged exposure levels and individual variability in biological response.
Protection Measures
While many factors are beyond individual control, some precautions can help reduce potential PFAS exposure:
- Prefer water filtered by certified systems
- Avoid damaged non-stick cookware
- Limit use of products with fluorinated coatings
- Stay informed about environmental monitoring in your area
The launch of this epidemiological study in Vicenza represents a necessary step for public health protection and an opportunity to bring the crucial issue of PFAS into national debate. The emerging results will be useful in guiding essential interventions, not only in Veneto but in every Italian region facing the problem of persistent contamination.
Sources: Veneto Region, University of Padua
