Authorities completed the removal of approximately 14 tonnes of hazardous chemical waste from the Astrasol factory in Latsia early Wednesday morning, ending years of environmental concerns from locals.
The operation, which began last Monday, saw the Department of Environment, under the Ministry of Agriculture, coordinate with multiple agencies to ensure the safe and controlled removal of the waste.
The materials have been transported to a licensed hazardous waste management facility for proper disposal according to environmental protection standards, the Department of Environment said.
Locals had long expressed concerns about the presence of dangerous chemical waste near their homes. Resident Ionas Kailis, whose house adjoins the factory, told philenews that 67 people in the area had died, with 47 others currently suffering from cancer. Some cases remain unreported, he added.
A study by the ‘Water and Health Laboratory’ of the Cyprus University of Technology published in 2017, found that emission rates at Astrasol exceeded the permissible DCM limits established for industrial zones.
According to the study, brain and central nervous system cancer incidence rates in the area around the factory showed a significant increase when compared with those observed in other areas of Cyprus.
The factory was operating from the early 80s until 2009.
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