dioxinen

Dioxins (in some languages dioxinen) are a group of chemically related compounds that includes polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). They are primarily unintentional by-products formed during combustion and industrial processes that involve chlorine and organic material at high temperatures. Major sources include waste incineration, metal production, cement kilns, and chlorine bleaching.

Dioxins are highly persistent in the environment and tend to accumulate in fatty tissues of living organisms. Their environmental behavior leads to long-range transport and bioaccumulation through food chains. Because of their lipophilicity and persistence, they are often measured in toxic equivalence (TEQ), which expresses the overall toxicity of a mixture relative to the most toxic dioxin congener.

Health effects are linked to dioxin-like toxicity mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Adverse outcomes include cancer risk, immune and endocrine disruption, reproductive and developmental effects, and chloracne in exposed individuals. Among the congeners, 2,3,7,8-tCDD is the most studied and one of the most toxic.

Regulation focuses on reducing emissions and human exposure. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants targets dioxins and related compounds for elimination or restriction, with monitoring and risk management using TEQ-based assessments. In food safety, dioxin levels in animal products are regularly tested, and intake recommendations aim to minimize long-term health risks.

Dioxins pose ongoing environmental and public health concerns due to their persistence, toxicity, and widespread sources, even at very low concentrations.