Indians protest over ‘forever chemicals’ after relocation of scandal-hit Italian factory
Summary
Protests have started in India after an Italian chemical factory known for pollution was bought by an Indian company and reopened. The factory makes PFAS, chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems, and people are worried about pollution and lack of regulation in India.Key Facts
- The Italian factory, formerly called Miteni, was closed in 2018 after causing serious pollution in Italy's drinking water.
- Miteni’s executives were convicted in June 2025 for the contamination that affected over 350,000 people.
- The factory’s equipment was moved to India and rebuilt by Laxmi Organic Industries, which started operating in early 2025.
- PFAS chemicals are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily and can harm health.
- Laxmi Organic Industries denies polluting the environment.
- Protests began in January 2026 outside the Indian factory and the issue reached the Indian parliament in February.
- India has no specific rules banning PFAS production or pollution related to these chemicals.
- European and Indian activists have held talks about possible bans on PFAS and the relocation of polluting industries.
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