Dioksinit

Dioksinit, often referred to in English as dioxin, designates a group of chemically related, highly persistent organic pollutants. The term commonly covers polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Together with certain dioxin-like PCBs, these compounds are known for their persistence in the environment, tendency to bioaccumulate in animal fat, and potent biological effects. They are evaluated using toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) to express overall potency as a TEQ, or toxic equivalent.

Most dioxins are byproducts rather than intentional chemicals. They form during incomplete combustion and various industrial processes, including waste incineration, metal production, cement kilns, and chlorine bleaching. Conditions such as high temperature with insufficient oxygen or improper quenching can favor their formation. Once released, they persist for years to decades in soils, sediments, and sediments, and they can travel long distances in air and water.

Health effects associated with dioxin exposure include cancer risk, immune system suppression, reproductive and developmental problems, and endocrine disruption. Because they accumulate in fat, human exposure primarily occurs through animal-based foods, especially fatty meats, dairy products, and fatty fish. Toxic risk is addressed using TEQ values that compare a sample’s mixture to the reference dioxin, 2,3,7,8-TCDD.

Regulatory and remediation efforts focus on reducing emissions from industrial sources and improving waste management. Internationally, dioxins are controlled under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, with national programs applying emission controls, safer production practices, and cleanup of contaminated sites. Analytical monitoring relies on high-resolution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to quantify TEQ concentrations in environmental and biological samples.