But the environmental and health consequences are indisputable as well. The EPA has confirmed the dangers of chlorine usage. It s a chemical process. Chlorine forms organochlorines whenever it is used. Organochlorines, in turn, form dioxins .
Dioxins are highly toxic at very low levels.
Dioxins do not break down in the environment, and they accumulate in human tissue. In addition, anything bleached with chlorine retains organochlorine residues, so the exposure continues. Dioxins are highly carcinogenic and can cause reproductive problems and genetic damage and are linked to a host of other chemically induced conditions. According to the EPA, even minimal use of bleach or bleached products can result in a lifetime exposure to dioxin that exceeds acceptable risks. We don't think so.