Dioxin Project
Dioxins are some of the most toxic chemicals known. It is formed during the burning of PVC plastic and during the bleaching of paper fibers. Dioxin was used as a poison against President Viktor Yushchenko of the Ukraine. He suffered from a form of persistent acne known as chloracne.
What is dioxin
Dioxin refers to a group of toxic chlorinated organic compounds, produced as a by-product of many industrial processes, such as waste incineration and bleaching fibres.
Among the most toxin chemicals known, dioxins are long-lived in the environment and make their way into foods. They are soluble in fat, so they accumulate in the bodies of animals and humans over time. This means that small amounts are present in animal food products (meat and dairy). Thus, you can get dioxin in your body both by eating these foods and by inhaling emissions from pollutant sources.
Exposure has been linked to an array of negative health effects, including cancer, and reproductive and developmental problems.
How to avoid dioxin
- Reduce intake of animal fat, and choose low fat dairy
- Don’t burn waste, and avoid environments where incineration is being carried out
Fact sheet on dioxin
Download the fact sheet on dioxin.
Links
CANSA’s position statement on cancer and the environment
Get involved
- Ask a question or make a comment regarding our research in the box at the bottom of this page.
- Click here to make a secure online donation to support this research project or make a direct deposit to ABSA Bank, Account: CANSA Research, number: 4079965964, Branch: 632005, Reference: Type B Research – Dioxin Project.
- Read more about CANSA research here.
