DIOXIN: GENERATION, TOXICITY, IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH, ABATEMENT

Dioxin is a group of chlorinated compounds consisting over 400 types of compositions, of which, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) are, in particular, extremely toxic. One of the most toxic chemicals ever discovered, it was originally developed as a defoliating agent and later used in chemical warfare, but no longer synthesized commercially. However, dioxin is environmentally persistent and added constantly to the ecosystem as it is formed as an unintentional by-product of many socio-industrial processes. Organic materials containing chlorine release these compounds during heating at relatively low temperature. Municipal incinerators, cement kilns, metallurgical plants, chemical and pesticide manufacturing, pulp and paper bleaching employing different industrial heating processes, large scale bonfires, etc. are held responsible as the major contributors. As the compounds possess different toxicity levels, an equivalent toxicity is calculated for the entire gas mixture and even an extremely low dosage can be fatal. They severely affect the living organisms including human being. Once ingested, it mostly remains in the body and with continuous exposure, keeps on accumulating. Dioxin-exposed poultry/meat/fish brings toxicity to human body.