Objective: to make an initial evaluation on the impact of environmental pollution on the food safety of some agricultural products in the area of Gela, an official area of environmental crisis according to Italian legislation.
Setting: Gela (Caltanisetta ) Sicily
Main outcome measures: the investigation looked at the contamination of the food chain, one of the main sources of exposure for the local population. A sample of 13 artichokes and 13 tomatoes where sprayed with contaminated water and the levels of Pb (II), Cd (II) end Cu (II) where then measured.
Results and conclusions: the analysis of the samples investigated shows a high level of metal contamination which can be linked to both the polluted water and air. It is therefore easier to forecast a scenario of exposure for the local population through the food chain.