Dioxin

The dioxins are a group of long-lasting organic chemicals whose actual effects on health are particularly difficult to identify.

Families of dioxins

The dioxins contain polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF). The most toxic of these appears, however, to be tetrachloro-p-dibenzodioxin (TCDD).

Origin of dioxins

These substances are present everywhere in the soil, sediments, and air. They are produced as an undesired byproduct of heat processes producing chlorine and organic substances. They can also be produced by the activity of volcanoes, which are by definition uncontrollable, and by forest fires, although the major sources of controllable emissions are waste incinerators. They are carried in the air and are deposited in fields and rivers and bind specifically to fats, meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products (including breast milk).

Effects of dioxins on human health

Dioxins accumulate in the body and can deregulate hormone systems, cause skin diseases, reduce defences and, ultimately, cause cancers.