May 24, 2025 – Tirana, Albania
Prof. Andrea Malizia, alongside a multidisciplinary team from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, delivered a compelling presentation at the second edition of the Albanian Society of Nutrition Science (ASNS) Congress in Tirana.
His talk, titled “Fallout Radioactive in the Western Balkans: Introduction and Simulations to Assess Contamination and Food Impact”, showcased state-of-the-art simulation models to assess the consequences of nuclear fallout on food safety and agriculture in the region.
The study, authored by A. Malizia, R. Quaranta, C. Russo, A. Iannotti, P. Gaudio, S. Moramarco, and E. Buonomo, combines academic expertise from the Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, the International Master Courses in Protection against CBRNe Events, and the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Using advanced tools such as HotSpot and QGIS, the research modeled a 1.5 megaton thermonuclear detonation scenario. The fallout simulation revealed potentially catastrophic contamination across the Western Balkans, particularly affecting Kosovo and Albania. Key findings indicated that fallout could spread over 595 kilometers with significant doses reaching critical agricultural zones—including areas like Shkodër within hours of detonation.
The team’s radiological analysis identified high risks to food chains: contamination of crops, water sources, and livestock products. Notably, isotopes like Iodine-131 and Cesium-137 pose immediate and long-term threats to public health via the ingestion of contaminated produce, milk, and meat.
Prof. Malizia’s intervention emphasized not only the technical outcomes but also the strategic recommendations for managing such scenarios, including:
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Temporary bans on the consumption of fresh milk, raw water, and vegetables post-fallout;
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Deep plowing to reduce surface contamination;
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Storage protocols for uncontaminated food reserves.
This presentation reinforced the critical importance of preparedness and education in the face of CBRNe threats. It highlighted the role of the International Master Courses in Protection against CBRNe Events of the University of Rome Tor Vergata as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation in the field of radiological risk assessment.
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