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DIOXINS: AN OVERVIEW
Citation:
SCHECTER, A., L. S. BIRNBAUM, J. J. RYAN, AND J. D. CONSTABLE. DIOXINS: AN OVERVIEW. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH. Academic Press Incorporated, Orlando, FL, 101(3):419-428, (2006).
Impact/Purpose:
To present an overview of the sources, routes of exposure, and effects of dioxin
Description:
Introduction: Dioxins have been featured in the news recently following a poisoning incident in Europe.1-3 Because physicians are not usually taught much about the dioxins, this article attempts to provide an overview for practicing physicians. Dioxins are unwanted contaminants almost exclusively produced by industrial processes including incineration,4, 5 chlorine bleaching of paper and pulp, and the manufacture of some pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.6 Small amounts are synthesized for scientific research. Dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals form a large group of compounds which are structurally related, environmentally and biologically persistent, induce a common spectrum of responses, and have a common mechanism of action.7 This group includes polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), biphenyls (PCBs), and related compounds. Dioxins did not exist prior to industrialization except in very small amounts due to natural combustion and geological processes. 8-10 Today they are found in all humans with higher levels commonly found in persons living in more industrialized countries.11 These compounds are of concern to both public health workers and to clinicians because of the many types of illnesses, both overt and subclinical, they may cause.