Review of the current state and main sources of dioxins around the world

Abstract

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are a group of dangerous compounds, emitted mostly from anthropogenic sources, that have negative effects on human health. Therefore, it is interesting to analyze the emission patterns of dioxins proceeding from different sources around the world, to observe the actual trend of the transmission of dioxins and furans into the atmosphere.For that reason, the main objective of the present document is to provide a general assessment about the dioxin problematic, analyzing the main parameters that influence the ambient concentration of dioxins worldwide, and describing the most characteristic features of the fingerprint from different sources, while making emphasis in the importance that non-industrial sources are gaining over the last years in front of the decreasing tendency of industrial sources. The description of the most important abatement technologies for dioxins is also included in this review.Implications: Given the negative effects of dioxins in human health, it is important to depict and locate the main sources of these dangerous compounds. Emissions proceeding from industrial facilities have decreased over the last years; however, other zones where nonindustrial sources used to be relevant contributors do not show the same decreasing tendency because it is more difficult to control this type of emissions. For that reason, future studies should focus on measuring and regulating this highly uncontrolled source of dioxins.

Preliminary study of possible relationships between exposure to PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in ambient air and the length of life of people

“…The G20 countries account for N 80% of the emissions in the world. In the countries, where such practices as residential heating and residential waste combustion are frequent, nonindustrial sources plays also significant role in total emission of dioxins (Booth et al, 2013;Dopico and Gómez, 2015).…”

“…In the USA, the largest source of dioxins (35.1%) has been remained the open burning of residential rubbish and wood in backyard burn barrels (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2006). In Asia, the main sources of dioxin emissions are combustion activities, metal industries, and waste incineration (Dopico and Gómez, 2015).…”

Cytochrome P450 1A2 activity and incidence of thyroid disease and cancer after chronic or acute exposure to dioxins

“…They bio‐accumulate in the food chain, especially in fat, with elimination half‐lives ranging from 3 to over 10 years, and they are very slowly metabolized . The main sources of dioxin in Western Europe are waste incinerators and the reprocessing metal industry . The general population is mainly exposed to dioxin‐like compounds via food .…”

“…2 The main sources of dioxin in Western Europe are waste incinerators and the reprocessing metal industry. 3 The general population is mainly exposed to dioxin-like compounds via food. 2 Exposure to compounds of the dioxin family is expressed as TCDD equivalent (TEQ), a value integrating the potency of each dioxin-like compound relative to TCDD; WHO recommends the maximal daily exposure to be below 4 TEQ pg/kg.…”

“…

Background: Dioxin (2,3,7, TCDD) is the most toxic congener of a family of structurally and mechanistically related persistent organic pollutants whose effects are mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Induction of CYP1A1/2 by TCDD through the AhR depends on the magnitude and the duration of exposure.

…”