ROME -- Long blamed as a source of the high rates of infant mortality and cancer-related deaths in the 'Triangle of Death' region in southern Italy, the illegal dumping of toxic waste has been confirmed as a principal factor of the area's health problems in a study by the Italian Institute of Health.

 The recently-published report paints a worrying picture of the region's health, identifying "excessive" instances of tumours in children under the age of one, especially brain tumours.

 It states that the area, located in Campania and covering both the cities of Naples and Caserta, is characterised by "an excessive rate of mortalities, tumours and hospitalisation for diverse illnesses," and identifies among the principal factors the "ascertained or suspected exposure to a combination of environmental contaminants that can be emitted or released from illegal dump hazardous waste sites or the uncontrolled burning of both urban and hazardous waste."

 The study was conducted through the lens of three main indicators: mortality, hospital admittances and incidences of cancer. It provides an update on the 55 communes that make up the area - named 'Land of Fires' by a 2014 law because of the high level of illegal waste dumping there - known to be the end-site for the Camorra Mafia group's illegal disposing of toxic waste for big businesses in the industrial north of Italy.

 This has poisoned the underground wells irrigating the farmland, which provides vegetables for much of Italy's centre and south.

 The report confirms young children and teenagers to be at the highest risk, especially those from disadvantaged social and economic backgrounds. Social deprivation, not just environmental factors, is highlighted as a cause of chronic illness and an unhealthy diet, leading to greater susceptibility to toxic environmental substances.

 The study emphasises the need for an "implementation of environmental development and the immediate cessation of the illegal practice of dumping and burning waste" as well as a guarantee of protection for women's health in the prenatal period.

 The report is a step in the right direction, but for many locals it only confirms in writing what they have known and suffered for years.

 Reverend Maurizio Patriciello, a priest in the area, expressed his disillusion in an article in the newspaper of the Italian bishops' conference on Saturday. "Can we claim victory? Absolutely not. In this shameful, sad and painful story, we have lost everything. The government above all."   ft