downtoearth-subscribe

Even in miniscule amounts, dioxin has disastrous effects on humans

  • 14/09/1999

What are the anthropogenic factors leading to the increase of dioxin in the environment?
The biggest source of dioxin is the pulp and paper and petrochemical industries, and incinerators. The pulp and paper industry uses bleaching agents like chlorine which are major contributors of dioxin.

Are the incidences of abnormalities rising today?
There certainly has been an increase in the number of patients with dioxin-related sicknesses. Tests in human tissues and lake sediments show that the current generation has much higher levels of dioxin than in the previous century.

How does dioxin enter the human body?
Dioxin is one of the most toxic human-made chemicals ever known. Even in miniscule amounts, it has disastrous effects on the human body's hormone system.It is a "catch-all' term for three acutely toxic chemical groups