Field assessment of a contaminated site in Kutaisi, Georgia
On 20th of November, 2025 EHPMI and National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) of Georgia conducted a field assessment of a contaminated site in Kutaisi, Georgia.
The contaminated site of the former Litafoni Factory is located on the shore of the Rioni River in Kutaisi. The factory began operating in 1939 and produced white pigment lithopone, filler particles (micro barite, micro calcite), dyes (oil and water-dispersible), hydraulic fluids, and other industrial products. The factory stopped its operations in 1989 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
EHPMI team previously assessed the contamination of soils of the site with heavy metals in 2022 and in June, 2025 together with TIFO experts. The results confirmed that the area of more than 13 hectares is highly contaminated with such toxic heavy metals as mercury, lead, and arsenic. However, it was not yet clear how far the contamination migrates from the former industrial area. The results of initial assessments were presented to NCDC. As a result of a discussion between NCDC, TIFO, and EHPMI it was decided to continue investigation to better understand the boundaries of contaminated area. The assessment was done using a portable XRF analyzer which allows to analyze soil samples right in the field. The new data showed that contamination is spreading from the former industrial area and more lands get contaminated.
The results of the assessment will be shared with the government agencies, municipality of Georgia and interested experts. The assessment will serve as the basis for the development of a plan to clean up the contaminated area and make it safe for people.
