Exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like substances: a major public health concern

Overview

Human exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like substances has been associated with a range of toxic effects, including chloracne; reproductive, developmental and neurodevelopmental effects; immunotoxicity; and effects on thyroid hormones, liver and tooth development. Dioxins are also carcinogenic. Developmental effects in males are the most sensitive reproductive health end-point, making children – particularly breastfed infants – a population at elevated risk. Dioxins and dioxin-like substances are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) covered by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants; they can travel long distances from the emission source and can bioaccumulate in food chains. Human exposure occurs mainly through consumption of contaminated food, but higher levels of exposure can occur in occupational settings. Public health and regulatory actions are needed to reduce emissions of these substances, as required by the Stockholm Convention, and to reduce human exposure, particularly for children.