[Environment and health in Taranto, southern Italy: epidemiological studies and public health recommendations].

Introduction: in Taranto IPS (Italian polluted site, made up of 2 municipalities) the Decree defining site boundaries lists the presence of a refinery, a steel plant, a harbour area and waste landfills together with illegal dumping sites. Previous environmental and epidemiological investigations in the area documented the presence of environmental contamination and increased mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well as a number of cancer sites; for these same health outcomes the cohort study of residents showed increased risk both in terms of mortality and morbidity.

Objective: to describe the health status of residents in Taranto IPS analyzing different health indicators available at municipal level, i.