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Prediction: Italy: Increased scrutiny over PFAS contamination and an increase in claims are likely

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Prediction

Awareness over PFAS contamination is rising in Italy, especially after the criminal proceedings brought against a number of executives of a major chemical company in the Veneto region, following one of the largest contamination incidents in Europe that affected the local water system across over 200 km² and up to 350,000 residents. An increase in criminal proceedings is likely, together with claims for damages in the future. Such claims may come from private businesses and corporations, public entities (an example of this is the claim brought by local water companies for the costs for preventing and avoiding further pollution) and consumers alike. It is also expected that this is a development where the recently enacted collective redress system will ultimately contribute to an increase in litigation. It is no coincidence that PFAS exclusions have already been introduced into policy wordings or are being (or should be) carefully considered by underwriters across a wide range of lines of business.