Recent investigations conducted by Greenpeace Italy have revealed a significant contamination of drinking water by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in as many as 235 Italian cities, with 79% of the analyzed samples testing positive. The first contamination map, presented on January 22, 2025, in Rome, highlighted that the most widespread compound is PFOA, found in 47% of the samples, followed by TFA and PFOS. The data indicate a concerning prevalence of these toxic substances across all regions of the country, with significant peaks in Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Italy has yet to implement adequate controls on the presence of PFAS in drinking water. Starting in early 2026, a European directive will come into effect that establishes regulatory limits for these substances; however, recent scientific evidence suggests that such limits may be insufficient to ensure public health. Greenpeace has launched a petition urging the Italian government to permanently ban the use and production of PFAS, emphasizing the urgent need for concrete actions to protect millions of citizens exposed to this contamination.
