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A systematic investigation of solid and gaseous atmospheric emissions from some coke-oven batteries of one of Europe's largest integrated steel factory (Taranto, Italy) has been carried out. In air monitoring samples, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were consistently detected at concentrations largely exceeding threshold limit values. By means of PAHs speciation profile and benzo-(a)pyrene (BaP) equivalent dispersion modeling from diffuse sources, the study indicated that serious health risks exist not only in working areas, but also in a densely populated residential district near the factory. INTRODUCTIONThe steel factory in Taranto, Italy is one of the largest in Europe and represents a very heavy pollution source. 1 Although poor detailed information exists about the results of air quality monitoring in the surrounding area, this plant is commonly blamed for being a major contributor to severe air pollution facing the local population. Epidemiologic data show that this area experiences a 22% death rate of cancer in excess of the regional average, with Ͼ40% of cases because of lung disease. 2 Taranto was listed among "Italy's 15 areas at high risk of environmental crisis" according to the Italian laws No. 349/86 and 305/89.To collect more information and experimental evidence, a 7-month investigation on major toxic pollutants, namely, total suspend particles (TSP), fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter Յ3.5 m (PM 3.5 ), and Benzene emitted from the factory, particularly from the old batteries no. 3-4 and 5-6 of the coke-oven plants, has been carried out. In previous articles, it has been shown how the aforementioned toxic pollutants from coke-oven emissions are responsible for health risks among workers. 3,4 In this paper, specific attention is dedicated to the

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