Sources and fate of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, dibenzofurans and related compounds in human environments
Several of the major incidents resulting in potential human exposures to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and/or polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and related compounds which have occurred in the U.S. in recent periods have resulted from improper disposal of hazardous chemical wastes. Prominent examples of such environmental contamination episodes are the Love Canal, into which ton quantities of chlorinated organic compounds containing substantial concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were deposited; numerous sites in the State of Missouri which were contaminated by the dumping of chlorinated organic wastes containing various PCDDs and possibly PCDFs, and PCBs; and the environs of a 2,4-D/2,4,5-T manufacturing plant site in Arkansas, which were contaminated with PCDDs. Environmental assessments of such sites have revealed extensive contamination of soils, waterways, fish and other biological species with these toxic compounds, which in turn could lead to human exposures. Other recently identified sources of PCDDs, PCDFs and related compounds in human environments include stack effluents from municipal refuse incineration, and fires and explosions involving electrical devices containing PCBs and polychlorinated benzenes. Data obtained in assessments of such incidents are presented, and the implications of these findings with respect to the distribution and persistence of PCDDs, PCDFs and related chemicals in the environment and possible effects on humans are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Wright State Univ., Dayton, OH
- OSTI ID:
- 5230458
- Journal Information:
- Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States); ISSN EVHPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACCIDENTS
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
AROMATICS
BENZOFURANS
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
CONTAMINATION
DIOXIN
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FEDERAL REGION II
FEDERAL REGION VII
FISHES
FOOD CHAINS
FURANS
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MISSOURI
NEW YORK
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION SOURCES
SOILS
USA
VERTEBRATES
WATER