What is the SEVESO List?

The Seveso list is a list of hazardous industrial sites that were established following the Seveso disaster in 1976. This was an accident that occurred at a chemical plant in Seveso, Italy, resulting in the release of the toxic chemical dioxin. The chemical caused severe health problems for those who were exposed to it, including skin lesions, reproductive problems, and cancer.

In response to this disaster, the European Union (EU) established the Seveso Directive in 1982, which required member states to identify and regulate hazardous industrial sites in order to prevent similar accidents from occurring. These sites were placed on the Seveso list, which is also known as the Major Accident Hazards Bureau (MAHB) list.

The Seveso list includes any industrial site that has the potential to cause major accidents involving hazardous substances, such as chemicals, explosives, or radioactive materials. These sites are required to implement strict safety measures to prevent accidents and minimize the risk of harm to the public. These measures may include emergency plans, risk assessments, and training programs for employees.

In addition to identifying and regulating hazardous industrial sites, the Seveso Directive also requires member states to establish a system for reporting and responding to major accidents. This includes establishing emergency response plans, providing information to the public about the risks associated with hazardous industrial sites, and implementing measures to protect the environment and public health.

The Seveso list is regularly updated to ensure that it includes all hazardous industrial sites within the EU. It is also used to assess the risks associated with these sites and to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place.

While the Seveso list has been successful in reducing the risk of major accidents involving hazardous substances, it is not without its limitations. One issue is that the list only applies to EU member states, and does not include sites in other countries. This means that hazardous industrial sites in non-EU countries may not be subject to the same level of regulation and oversight as those in the EU.

Another issue is that the list only includes sites that have the potential to cause major accidents involving hazardous substances. This means that other types of industrial sites, such as those that produce pollutants or contribute to climate change, may not be included on the list. This can result in a lack of regulation and oversight of these types of sites, which may have significant environmental and public health impacts.

Despite these limitations, the Seveso list is an important tool for ensuring the safety and security of hazardous industrial sites within the EU. By identifying and regulating these sites, the EU is able to reduce the risk of major accidents and protect the public and the environment from harm. However, it is important to recognize that there is always room for improvement, and that further action may be needed to ensure the continued safety and security of these sites.