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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Dioxin hazards to fish, wildlife, and invertebrates: a synoptic review

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5736482
Polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs) are present as trace impurities in various manufactured chemicals and in combustion products. The chemical and environmental stability of PCDDs and their tendency to accumulate in fatty tissues have resulted in their widespread detection throughout the global ecosystem. The most toxic and extensively studied PCDD isomer is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). Accidental contamination of the environment by 2,3,7,8-TCDD has resulted in deaths in many species of birds, wildlife, and domestic animals, and in the closing of rivers to fishing due to high residues in fish, i.e., >50 parts per trillion (ppt) wet weight. Laboratory studies with birds, mammals, aquatic organisms, and other species have conclusively demonstrated that exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD can be associated with acute and delayed mortality, carcinogenic, teratogenic, reproductive, mutagenic, histopathologic, and immunotoxic effects.
Research Organization:
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD (USA)
OSTI ID:
5736482
Report Number(s):
PB-86-173903/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English