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Dioxins Poisoning Types And Their Effects On Human Health

It is known that Dioxins Poisoning is found throughout the world in the environment. They accumulate in the food chain, mainly in the fatty tissues of animals. Dioxins are a group of chemically – related compounds and they are persistent environmental pollutants. More than 90% of human exposure is through food, mainly shellfish, fish, dairy products, and meat [1]. There are many national authorities who have programs in place to monitor the food supply. Dioxins poisoning is highly toxic.

They can cause developmental and reproductive problems, interfere with hormones, damage the immune system, and also cause cancer. Dioxins are present at many things which means that all people have background exposure and this is not expected to affect human health. But due to the highly toxic potential efforts need to be undertaken to reduce current background exposure. The prevention or reduction of human exposure is best done via source – directed measures which mean strict control of industrial processes to reduce the formation of Dioxins poisoning. Some countries are making efforts to reduce the production of dioxins in the industry.

In the United States of America, dioxins are not produced or used commercially but they can result as a byproduct of other processes. It is not easy to eliminate dioxins. Some natural sources, like volcanoes, produce them and they can cross borders. Dioxins do not break down quickly so remnants of old dioxins still remain. The lower exposure of dioxin is possible through water, soil, or air. Also, the low – level exposure to dioxin can be through diet.

Dioxins Poisoning

Types of Dioxins poisoning :

It is known that there are several hundred dioxins and they belong to three closely related families:

  • PCBs (some polychlorinated biphenyls)
  • CDFs (chlorinated dibenzofurans)
  • CDDs (chlorinated dibenzo – p – dioxins)

You should know that CDFs and CDDs are not created intentionally. They are produced by natural processes or inadvertently by human activities. On the other hand, PCBs are manufactured products but they are no longer made in the United States of America. Also, in some cases, the term dioxin is used to refer to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) which is one of the most toxic Dioxins poisonings. This dioxin has been linked to the Agent Orange that was used during the Vietnam War to strip the leaves from trees [2].

Health risks:

The industrial processes led to a dramatic rise in levels of man-made dioxins in the environment during the 20th century. As a result of this, most people will have some levels of dioxin in their bodies. There are some studies in which are shown that exposure to dioxin can cause adverse health effects, including cancer, infertility, hormonal problems, and possibly diabetes [3]. The high levels of exposure over a short time can lead to chloracne which is a severe skin disease with acne-like lesions mainly on the face and upper body. This can happen if there is a significant contamination event or if there is an accident. Also, there can be other health risks, such as

  • Mild liver damage
  • Excessive body hair
  • Skin discoloration
  • Skin rashes

The long – term exposure appears to impact the developing nervous system and in the reproductive and endocrine systems. There are some studies in which are suggested that workplace exposure to high levels of dioxin over many years can increase the risk of cancer [4]. The risk to your health depends on many different factors, such as

  • How long and how often they were exposed
  • When someone was exposed
  • The level of exposure

There are some studies done on animals in which are said that the low levels of dioxin over a long period or a high – level exposure at sensitive times can result in developmental or reproductive problems [5]. Some problems which are linked to dioxin exposure include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Lowered testosterone levels
  • Skin disorders
  • Lung problems [6]
  • Immune system suppression
  • Learning disabilities
  • Endometriosis
  • Reduced sperm count [7]
  • Decreased fertility [7]
  • Inability to maintain pregnancy
  • Birth defects [8]

It is not believed that the normal background exposure can be hazardous for people.

References:

[1] United States Environmental Protection Agency. Learn about dioxin. Retrieved from www.epa.gov/dioxin/learn-about-dioxin

[2] 7-Agent Orange. Handbook of Pollution Prevention and Cleaner Production: Best Practices in the Agrochemical Industry. 2011;261-8.

[3] World Health Organization. Dioxins and their effects on human health. 2016. Retrieved from www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dioxins-and-their-effects-on-human-health

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Worker health study summaries. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/niosh/pgms/worknotify/dioxin12plants.html

[5] Children’s Health and Environment. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Retrieved from ec.europa.eu/health/ph_projects/2003/action3/docs/2003_3_09_a15_en.pdf

[6] Bertazzi PA, Consonni D, Bachetti S, et al. Health effects of dioxin exposure: A 20-year mortality study. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2001;153(11):1031-44.

[7] Foster WG, Maharaj-Briceño S, Cyr DG. Dioxin-induced changes in epididymal sperm count and spermatogenesis. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2010;118(4):458–64. doi:10.1289/ehp.0901084

[8] King J, Chou C. Agent orange birth defects. The Embryo Project Encyclopedia. 2016. Retrieved from embryo.asu.edu/pages/agent-orange-birth-defects

Neem Mayur
Neem Mayur
Mayur Neem, a certified dietician having more than 5 years of experience in the field of diet practice. He is working as a diet expert and offering services to body builders, sports persons, celebrities, etc. He is lover of natural remedies and loves to spend most of his free time in his organic farm and offers expert advice on organic farming to local farmers. He is available through [email protected]

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