Sources and Fate of Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins, Dibenzofurans and Related Compounds in Human Environments

Abstract

Several of the major incidents resulting in potential human exposures to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and/or polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and related compounds which have occurred in the U.S. in recent periods have resulted from improper disposal of hazardous chemical wastes. Prominent examples of such environmental contamination episodes are the Love Canal, into which ton quantities of chlorinated organic compounds containing substantial concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were deposited; numerous sites in the State of Missouri which were contaminated by the dumping of chlorinated organic wastes containing various PCDDs and possibly PCDFs, and PCBs; and the environs of a 2,4-D/2,4,5-T manufacturing plant site in Arkansas, which were contaminated with PCDDs. Environmental assessments of such sites have revealed extensive contamination of soils, waterways, fish and other biological species with these toxic compounds, which in turn could lead to human exposures. Other recently identified sources of PCDDs, PCDFs and related compounds in human environments include stack effluents from municipal refuse incineration, and fires and explosions involving electrical devices containing PCBs and polychlorinated benzenes. Data obtained in assessments of such incidents are presented, and the implications of these findings with respect to the distribution and persistence of PCDDs, PCDFs and related chemicals in the environment and possible effects on humans are discussed.

Perspectives on past and Present Waste Disposal Practices: A community-Based Participatory Research Project in Three Saskatchewan First Nations Communities

“…26,38 However, other chemicals such as; benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs; also known as dioxins), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs; also known as furans), and heavy metals (lead, mercury and arsenic) have been detected in smoke produced through the incineration of waste materials. [38][39][40] Open air burning was conducted in two of the three communities. This practice was carried out mainly due to the small size and limited capacity of the current community dump sites.…”

Assessment of Airborne Total Volatile Organic Compounds of Niagara Falls Residences as Compared to Resident Lifestyle

“…The city of Niagara Falls, New York faces serious air quality concerns due largely in part to the presence of three sites. Love Canal, the site of 30 years worth of chemical waste in downtown Niagara Falls, is known for its hazardous levels of compounds including chlorobenzenes, trichlorophenol [19], dibenzofurans and dioxins [20][21][22]. The Niagara Falls region is also surrounded by the highly traveled Whirlpool, Lewiston-Queenstown, and Rainbow bridges connecting the State of New York to Canada.…”

Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxin and Dibenzofuran Contamination at Metal Recovery Facilities, Open Burn Sites, and a Railroad Car Incineration Facility

“…Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) emissions from the incineration of industrial, municipal, and chemical wastes have been the focus of considerable study (1). Recent evidence of human carcinogenicity of the most potent of these compounds, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (2) will likely quicken the investigative pace.…”