In Campi Flegrei, the concentration of gases in the air is monitored through multiparametric stations located in the Solfatara crater in Pozzuoli and at Pisciarelli.
According to the answer reported by Il Mattino on the basis of INGV data, three gas species are monitored at hourly frequency:
- carbon dioxide (CO2)
- hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
- sulfur dioxide (SO2)
The monitoring of these gases is part of a broader geochemical and multiparametric system. INGV describes continuous acquisition of CO2 flux from the soil, fumarole and soil temperature, thermal gradient and other environmental parameters in the Solfatara and Pisciarelli areas, with data collected continuously, in real time or at regular intervals and integrated by periodic campaigns.
Where the risk is highest
CO2 and H2S can reach high and potentially dangerous concentrations especially in the immediate vicinity of fumarolic vents, inside the Solfatara crater or in the Pisciarelli area.
Outside those vent-proximal zones, the source consulted does not report the same hazard condition.
What about sulfur dioxide?
The source consulted reports that SO2 is currently not detected in Campi Flegrei.
The consulted sources do not provide numerical concentration thresholds above which CO2 or H2S become dangerous to people, nor a precise time frame for the statement on SO2. Access to fumarolic areas remains subject to the operational assessments of the competent authorities.
