Collectively, they are one of 12 persistent organic pollutants which are the subject of a international treaty negotiation. These pollutants build up in the human and animal tissue, accumulating as they ascend up the food chain. The EPA reassessment report has been in the works for nearly a decade and has been the target of much industry pressure, the health officials say. Child plays frisbee on a smoke-filled street in North Birmingham, Alabama, the most heavily polluted area of the city. Dioxins accumulate in fatty tissues and are not eliminated.
Dioxins are especially dangerous to children.
The reassessment released today is the product of an exhaustive review by EPA scientists and other government and non-government scientists begun in 1991. It reflects comments received since release of an earlier draft in 1994, recommendations received from EPA's Scientific Advisory Board in 1995 and extensive additional data on dioxin obtained by the Agency. Following completion of scientific and public review, EPA will issue the final dioxin reassessment document and at the same time will publish a draft dioxin Risk Management Strategy for public comment. The strategy will propose EPA policy and programs for dioxin using the reassessment as its scientific basis. All Rights Reserved.