Dioxins - Production and Uses

Key Points

Dioxins are not intentionally produced and they have no commercial use
They may be formed naturally in small quantities from sources such as forest fires or bonfires
Small amounts of dioxins may be released during combustion including cigarette smoke, vehicle emissions and waste incineration, as well as processes such as smelting and refining

Dioxins may be formed during natural processes such as incomplete combustion occurring during forest fires. They are not produced commercially, but small amounts may be formed as impurities during the production of certain chlorinated solvents and upon decomposition or combustion of chlorinated organic matter and fossil fuels. Small amounts of dioxins may therefore be formed during industrial, domestic and municipal incineration, and may also be released during metal smelting, processing and refining. Small amounts may also be formed during the use of chlorine for bleaching of pulp in paper mils.

Dioxins have been detected at low levels in cigarette smoke and motor vehicle emissions.

An industrial accidental occurred in Seveso, Italy in 1976 in which high amounts of TCDD were accidentally released into the environment.

Background Frequently Asked Questions

Prepared by J C Wakefield
CHAPD HQ, HPA
2008
Version 1

This document will be reviewed not later than 3 years, or sooner if substantive evidence becomes available.

Last reviewed: 5 November 2008