What are Chlorine Dioxins?
A. Chlorine Dioxins are a family of compounds containing chlorine atoms. Dioxins are created in small amounts when chlorine is present during naturally occurring combustion (forest fires, volcanoes) or combustion resulting from human action (motor vehicles, metals production, electricity generation, wood-burning fireplaces, etc.). Under certain conditions, dioxins can be formed when chlorine is used in industrial processes, but dioxin emissions from those processes have declined dramatically in recent years. The EPA offers assurance that while dioxin has been shown to be toxic to certain lab animals, evidence is lacking that it has serious long-term effects on humans. However, the EPA does characterize dioxins as likely human carcinogens and anticipates they may increase the risk of cancer certain exposure levels.
