Overview

Dioxins are contaminants released from chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper bleaching, and incineration of products that contain chlorine. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) is the most toxic chemical in the group of dioxins. learn more about this contaminant

Dioxins are among the most toxic known environmental pollutants. As a class, dioxins are extremely toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative; these contaminants build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluids, such as breast milk, and pass from the mother to the child. Most people are exposed to dioxins through the food they eat, primarily from meat, dairy, fish and eggs. In humans, dioxins are associated with cancer, birth defects, damage to the nervous and immune systems, altered metabolism, thyroid disruption, altered menstrual cycling and damage to the cardiovascular system.

State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water

EWG Health Guideline: 0.0002 ppt

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.0002 ppt for 2,3,7,8-TCDD was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL): 0.03 ppt

ppt = parts per trillion