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Article

31 Aug 2001

Author:
Centre for Science and Environment, Down to Earth

Molecules of death

Dioxins are among the deadliest chemicals known to humans...Dioxins are released mostly from burning of chlorinated compounds e.g, from garbage, medical waste and toxic chemicals. Dioxins from incinerators contaminate the air, water and food passing these deadly pollutants on to people through milk, meat and other fatty animal products. Bleaching of paper with chlorinated compounds, production of pvc plastics, chlorinated pesticides and secondary smeltering of copper also produce dioxins. Essentially, to produce dioxin we need organic matter, chlorine and a reactive thermal environment...Despite knowing their carcinogenic nature, there is no monitoring of these chemicals in most countries.