98 per cent of human exposure to dioxin is through animal foods, especially those that are rich in fat. In the Arctic, dioxin enters the food chain through lichen, mosses and shrubs eaten by caribou, and through algae eaten by species upon which seals and walrus feed. Studies have shown a link between increased levels of dioxin found in human breast milk and higher cancer rates. The Government of Canada is concerned about dioxin and is pushing for dioxin emission reductions on domestic, bilateral and international fronts.
Furans are very similar to dioxins.
Using the 1999 inventory data, these sectors have achieved a reduction of 76 per cent relative to the 1988 Canadian baseline. Much of the reduction can be attributed to success in the pulp and paper sector and their substantial reduction of releases into water as a result of federal regulations imposed in 1992. As facilities are being upgraded with newer control technologies, we anticipate a reduction in the next inventory. Bilateral Initiatives Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy Canada is working with the United States under the Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy to address substances such as dioxins and mercury. Canada is participating in the trinational Dioxins, Furans and Hexachlorobenzene Task Force for a North American Regional Action Plan, along with the United States and Mexico.