Backous cautioned against placing too much importance on the dioxin amounts identified in the report, since Ecology did not independently evaluate the quality of the data. Besides determining the amount of dioxin produced at a facility, he said, it's also important to identify whether dioxins are being released into the air or water, where they can be readily absorbed into the food chain, or whether they're being captured and safely disposed. Depending on what types of pollution controls they have in place, we probably would find that some of the larger dioxin producers actually pose a lower risk to human health and the environment than facilities that generate smaller quantities. Director Fitzsimmons said the study illustrates the need for more testing and monitoring to better understand where and how much dioxin is being produced. This report is just a first step - we need to seriously challenge ourselves and each other to make Washington a healthier place to live.
Dioxins are byproducts of producing or burning substances that contain chlorine.
There are 210 forms of dioxin-like chemicals, none with current commercial or domestic uses. Several forms of dioxin are known to be toxic to humans. A report on the human health effects of dioxins is being prepared by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, due for release around the end of the year.