What are three sources of dioxins and furans?
There are several sources of exposure to dioxins and furans. If you work in or near a municipal solid waste incinerator, copper smelter, cement kiln or coal fired power plant you can be exposed to dioxins and furans. Individuals who burn their household waste or burn wood can be exposed as well.
What are dioxins furans and PCBs?
Dioxins, furans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are the abbreviated names for a family of chemicals that have similar toxicity and shared chemical characteristics. The dioxins and furans are not manufactured or produced intentionally but are created when other chemicals or products are made.
What is the source of furans?
The main sources of dioxins and furans have been classified into four categories, namely: incineration, combustion, industrial processes and natural processes such as volcanic eruptions. Dioxins and furans are present in flue gas and fly ash from combustion, in contaminated soils, sediments and water bodies.
Where is dioxin used?
Industrial activities: Dioxin is not produced or used commercially in the United States. It is a contaminant formed during the production of some chlorinated organic compounds, including a few herbicides such as Silvex.
Where are dioxins found?
Dioxins are found throughout the world in the environment , and they accumulate in food chain s , concentrating mainly in the fatty tissue of animals . More than 90% of typical human exposure is estimated by EPA to be through the in take of animal fats , mainly meat , dairy products, fish , and shellfish.
What are dioxins and furans?
Dioxins, furans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are the abbreviated names for a family of chemicals that have similar toxicity and shared chemical characteristics. The dioxins and furans are not manufactured or produced intentionally but are created when other chemicals or products are made.
How do dioxins affect the human body?
How Dioxins, Furans, and Dioxin-Like PCBs Affect People’s Health. Human health effects from low environmental exposures are unclear. People who have been unintentionally exposed to large amounts of these chemicals have developed a skin condition called chloracne, liver problems, and elevated blood lipids (fats).
Do forest fires cause dioxins and furans?
Even forest fires can contribute to the creation of small amounts of dioxins and furans. Dioxins and furans have been found in the air, soil, and food. Dioxins and furans are mainly distributed through the air. However, only a small percentage of exposure is from air.