(16 Nov 2013) Thousands of people took to the streets in Naples on Saturday to protest against the dumping of toxic waste in the region.
In the countryside around Naples, the local mafia, known as the Camorra, has been dumping tonnes of toxic waste such as paints, chemicals, glues and radioactive trash for at least two decades, the protesters say.
The area is home to millions of people.
Most of the protesters live in the region between Naples and Caseta, infamously nicknamed the "Land of Fires" and the "Triangle of Death" because of the illegal waste dumping.
Among the demonstrators were those who claim to have had relatives who have died of cancer and other illnesses related to pollution.
Recently investigators determined that a local aquifer has been contaminated.
A survey by the National Institute of Health found that in the area north of Naples, cancer rates are higher than the average in other Italian regions.
The findings have caused worry in local communities.
Thanks to the testimonies of several mafia defectors, more and more illegal dumps have been found.
The Italian government is starting an extensive project of cleaning of the area.
For Rossella Muroni, Director of environmental group Legambiente, justice was just as important as tackling the mess.
"It is essential that in addition to waste we find also the truth about who is responsible," she said.
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