Dioxin Carcinogens

While the term dioxins is defined as a group of compounds that share the same chemical structure and biological characteristic, the word dioxin is also used to refer to one of the most toxic of these compounds, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, or TCDD.

In 1991, dioxin was listed on the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences list of known carcinogens. Prior to the 1990s, dioxin was only classified as a substance that was "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." In 1997, the upgraded claim was seconded by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a branch of the World Health Organization.

The distinction as a known carcinogen indicates that there is a proven, causal relationship between exposure to TCDD and human cancer. A 2003 re-analysis of the previous reports reaffirmed the claim that there is no safe dose of dioxin - no threshold below which there is any cancer risk to those exposed.

The upgrade of the substance to known carcinogen status was based on epidemiological studies of four high-exposure industrial areas in Germany, the Netherlands and the United States. All of the studies showed an increase in overall cancer mortality. Studies showed an increased risk of all cancers combined, lung cancer and non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma. Animal studies had similar findings.

In addition to its link to cancer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reports that dioxin has been found to cause skin rashes, skin discoloration, excessive body hair and mild liver damage. It has also been found to cause a number of reproductive and developmental problems, including birth defects, learning disabilities, inability to maintain pregnancy, decreased fertility in males and females, endometriosis, low testosterone levels, diabetes, immune system suppression and lung problems.

According to the National Institutes of Health, dioxin is not deliberately produced, it is found as a contaminant in herbicides and pesticides, and is an inadvertent by-product of waste incineration. The EPA also warns that, because dioxins exist in all environments, all populations have been exposed to dioxins at some point in time. The effects that the dioxins have on health have to do with a number of factors, including level of exposure, time, duration and frequency of exposure.

Dioxin Breaking News

"Yushchenko’s dioxin levels are second highest recorded in human"

Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned and first fell ill in September. According to new tests, they reveal Yushchenko had more than 6,000 times higher than normal level of dioxin in the blood. The level of dioxin in his body...

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"Toxic perchlorate found in 4% of water supplies presenting possible risk to newborns and fetuses"

Perchlorate has been found in an estimated four percent of U.S. water systems as of 2003, creating a major controversy over what should be done. Though perchlorate occurs naturally, the majority of the drinking water contamination has been linked to ...

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"Dangerous levels of dioxins found in backyard burn barrels"

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the backyard burn barrel, a regular fixture in rural life, is now the largest quantifiable source of dioxin emissions in the country. The burning, according to Arkansas'' Western River Valley Soli...

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Dioxin Carcinogens

Dioxin Breaking News

"Yushchenko’s dioxin levels are second highest recorded in human"

"Toxic perchlorate found in 4% of water supplies presenting possible risk to newborns and fetuses"

"Dangerous levels of dioxins found in backyard burn barrels"

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