On 15 September 2026, a chemical reaction at a paints-and-coatings facility in the ASI Pascarola industrial area of Caivano released unpleasant fumes and led authorities to place the area under seizure.
The incident involved a tank or silo at the plant. Firefighters secured the affected installation, while Carabinieri intervened and opened investigations to clarify what happened.
Precautionary closures and public-health advice
Following the release of an acrid odour in the area, the mayor of Caivano ordered temporary precautionary measures.
Schools were closed, along with the municipal cemetery, public parks and play areas. Outdoor sports activities were prohibited.
Residents were advised to wear FFP2 masks outdoors, keep windows closed and deactivate mechanical ventilation systems.
Assessment and lifting of restrictions
The Prefecture's assessment reported that the phenomenon was regressing and that only irritating, rather than toxic, substances had been dispersed.
The Municipality of Caivano later stated that subsequent measurements found no release of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. On that basis, the precautionary restrictions were revoked and schools, parks and the cemetery reopened.
What is still unclear
The exact substances involved and the precise chemical reaction have not been identified in the available reports.
The reports do not provide measured concentrations of the emitted substances or a complete air-quality dataset. The exact legal scope and duration of the seizure of the industrial site also remain unspecified.
It is likewise not established from the available reports whether anyone required medical treatment because of the fumes.
