Hundreds of these organochlorines are not regulated by the EPA and have unknown effects. Finally, chlorine gas and hypochloric acid are formed during chlorine dioxide bleaching, allowing the formation of dioxins. Dioxins are potent carcinogens that also harm the reproductive and immune systems of humans and wildlife. Currently four chlorine compounds, chlorine gas, chlorine dioxide, hydrochloric acid, and chloroform, account for one quarter of Stone's reported toxic releases. These chemicals combine both inside and outside the mill to form cancer causing dioxins and furans.
Chloroform is known to cause cancer in animals.
Obviously, just switching from chlorine to chlorine dioxide is not going to stop organochlorine pollution. Releases to Water Acetone 40 lb. Ammonia 58,500 lb. Catechol 400 lb. Ethylene glycol 9,500 lb.