This paper reports the results of an epidemiologic survey carried out from 1987 to 1991 among intermediate school students in Chioggia (Venice, Italy) to detect beta-Thalassemia carriers. The screening tests (determination of Mean Corpuscular Volume, Hemoglobin A2) were performed in 3050/4055 (75%) students; the prevalence of carriers was of 3.1%. The results obtained identify this as a risk area for Thalassemia Major and suggest the necessity to adopt prevention measures such as medical information, population screening, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.