What are dioxins and why they harmfu?
Dioxin and related compounds,i.e. polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are halogenated aromatic compounds which are industrial pollutants that persist in the environment. In addition to cancer, dioxins have been linked to adverse human health effects such as developmental, immunologic and endocrine toxicity. The major environmental sources of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds (referred to simply as "dioxins") are emissions from combustion, incineration, any industrial processes using chlorine, paper mills, fireplaces, grass fires etc. The aerial transport of these emissions is the primary pathway dioxins enter the terrestrial environment and food chain.