"STOP DIOXIN EXPOSURE" Campaign

[Charles Bennington <charles>]

                  "STOP DIOXIN EXPOSURE" Campaign 
 
The Citizens Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste introduces the Dioxin Bulletin
Board.  The purpose of the Dioxin Bulletin Board is to (1) distribute
scientific and other information on dioxin; (2) connect people who are
working on dioxin; (3) alert people of events and activities that are
scheduled around dioxin issues; and (4) provide a means for people to
communicate on dioxin issues.
 
Background:  Dioxin is one of the most toxic chemicals known.  A report
released for public comment in September 1994 by the US Environmental
Protection Agency clearly describes dioxin as a serious public health
threat.  The public health impact of dioxin may rival the impact that DDT had
on public health in the 1960's.
 
According to the EPA report, there may be no "safe" level of exposure to
dioxin.  Levels of dioxin and dioxin-like chemicals were found in the general
US population at or near the levels associated with adverse health effects.
The EPA report confirmed that dioxin is a cancer hazard to people. Exposure
to dioxin can also cause severe reproductive and developmental problems at
levels 100 times lower than those associated with its cancer causing effects,
immune system damage and interferes with regulatory hormones.
 
Dioxin is a general term that describes a group of hundreds of chemicals that
are highly persistent in the environment.  The most toxic compound is
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin or TCDD.  The toxicity of other dioxins
and chemicals like PCBs that act like dioxin are measured in relation to
TCDD.  Dioxin is formed as an unintentional by-product of many industrial
processes involving chlorine such as waste incineration, chemical and
pesticide manufacturing and pulp and paper bleaching.  Dioxin was the primary
toxic component of Agent Orange, was found at Love Canal in Niagara Falls, NY
and was the basis for evacuations at Times Beach, MO and Seveso Italy.
 
Much of this new research into the health effects of dioxin was undertaken in
response to industry challenges to EPA's findings on the toxicity of dioxin
in 1991.  Now, 3 years later, dioxin was found to be more dangerous than
ever.  Copies of the EPA Health Assessment report may be obtained by
contacting CERI/ORD Publications Center, USEPA, 26 W. Martin Luther King
Drive, Cincinnati, OH  45268, (513) 569-7562; fax (513) 569-7566.
 
At least on a weekly basis, CCHW will post information, resources, non
copyrighted articles and events/activities around dioxin issues.  We welcome
your comments, information and questions on dioxin.  Information should be
sent to CCHW@Essential.org.  CCHW reserves the right to edit material.
 
CCHW is a non-profit tax exempt organization that provides organizing and
technical assistance to grassroots groups nationwide.  Our mission is to
assist people in building strong, community-based organizations that fight
for environmental justice.

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Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste
PO Box 6806
Falls Church, VA 22040

cchw@essential.org
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