Dioxins are among the most potent toxic chemicals known.
The developing fetus and breast-feeding infants are particularly sensitive to the harmful effects of dioxins. The U.S. EPA has found increasing evidence that levels of dioxins in our bodies are at or near the levels at which many, if not all, of these effects may occur. Therefore, any additional dioxins in the environment are a significant concern and must be eliminated wherever possible. Dioxins accumulate in greater amounts in fatty substances, such as breast milk, than in vegetables and fruits. Consumers Certain populations that consume large amounts of fish, such as recreational and avid anglers, subsistence fish consumers, and Native Americans, are at an increased risk due to their larger consumption of fish contaminated with dioxins.