They are the byproduct of other industrial processes. All of North Carolina s dioxin-related fish consumption advisories are related to paper mills. All of the paper mills have made substantial changes to their processes to reduce or prevent dioxin formation. That s why several of the advisories have been modified since they were originally issued. Studies have shown that exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD increases the risk of several types of cancer in animals.
Some studies suggest that dioxin increases the risk of certain types of cancer in humans.
Other studies don t show any connection between dioxin exposure and cancer. The most common health effect in humans is chloracne. Chloracne is a severe skin disease, characterized by large, deep acne-like lesions. Mercury Mercury is an odorless, silver-white metal that is found naturally in the environment. Industrial sources such as coal burning industries, municipal and medical waste incinerators and chlor-alkali plants release mercury into the air.