To merely ignore the problem simply because state and county labs are unable to perform the required collection or analysis is unacceptable to the community. Mecklenburg County should consider an ordinance that would include a user fee that would fund laboratory tests and compliance sampling and evaluation. And for that reason, the County, would not monitor for dioxin. Dioxin is a known human carcinogen, and has been linked to reproductive and developmental disorders and immune system damage. Mercury is a neurotoxin which interferes with the brain development of fetuses and infants.
Research confirms that there is no safe level of dioxins.
Even parts per trillion levels in human bodies may trigger health effects. In the past, the county has cavalierly dismissed test results that exceed air permit standards. There is no reason, and certainly no justification, for ignoring test results. Only mercury was analyzed in these samples. The county has simply dismissed these violations with minimal or no justification.