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Résumé :
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Background: The disposal and management of hazardous waste are worldwide problems. Notwithstanding the difficulties evaluating epidemiological studies, some observations of their health impact appear to be, to some extent, reproducible. Local context: The role of epidemiological studies in contributing to decision-making in public health is addressed, through describing an Italian context with illegal, hazardous waste dumps. Approach: This case study, concerning the Italian "Land of Fires", provides a frame for integrating scientific, evidence-based public health actions and priorities for further research. Relevant changes: Additional research on the adverse health effects among individuals living close to hazardous waste sites, and on the characterization of air contaminants near waste sites, is necessary. Furthermore, counteracting illegal and poor waste dumping, the environmental remediation of areas contaminated by waste, and prevention and health care actions targeted at local human populations are urgently required. Lessons learnt: Cooperation on this topic between public health institutions of the WHO European Region Member States appears warranted
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