Humans are exposed to such compounds primarily through the food we eat. For example, dioxins coming out of incinerator smokestacks are carried to soil, water and vegetation. Cows grazing in nearby fields eat contaminated grains. Humans eating beef, or drinking milk from dioxin-contaminated cows are also exposed to dioxins, at higher concentrations. Dioxins accumulate in the fatty cells of our bodies so that every time humans eat dioxin-contaminated food, the amount of dioxin in our bodies increases.
Children are most vulnerable to dioxins and other toxic chemicals.
Children's biology and behavior make them more vulnerable than adults to health effects from toxic chemicals. Children breathe more air, eat more food and drink more water per pound of body weight than adults. Since their immune systems are less developed, children exposed to toxics are at a higher risk of immune system disorders. Babies are exposed to dioxins and other poisons even before they are born because persistent toxics in a mother's body can cross the womb's protective placental barrier. Chemical weapons incinerators do not protect public health.