Dictionary of Environmental Health
The generic term applied to members of a group of chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons (i.e. HYDROCARBON molecules with the addition of chlorine).
They are formed as contaminants during certain industrial processes and as a result of the incineration of material (especially plastics) containing chlorine. Dioxins exhibit varying degrees of toxicity and carcinogenicity to humans, and the most toxic of the group is known as TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin).
They are persistent chemicals in the environment and BIOACCUMULATE in fatty tissue.
See also: TOXIC EQUIVALENCE
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