Burning waste in cement kilns: The story of Calusco d’Adda

Burning waste in cement kilns is a widespread practice, but what is its impact on citizens’ health and the environment? In the cement plant of Calusco d’Adda, the partial switch from petroleum coke to waste-based fuels has substantially increased the emissions of many pollutants, which can have significant effects on human health. Local citizens have voiced their concerns about the issue, and requested an epidemiological study on the area near the cement plant in order to assess the impact of hazardous emissions on public health.