non-combustion oriented volatilization

[Karen Elizabeth Jacks <kej@acpub.duke.edu>]

HELP!!

I am writing a paper on the various types of medical waste sterilization 
processes, and the biggest roadblock I've hit is this:

Are dioxins (specifically PCDDs, not just any VOCs) volatilized from 
products which may contain PCDD residue (plastics, latex, bleached paper) IF 
THE ITEMS ARE NOT ACTUALLY BURNED?

I am familiar with the formation of dioxins on the fly ash emitted from 
incinerators, but other processes such as microwave treatment and steam 
(autoclave) treatment operate at temps around 100 degrees C or less.  
While these processes seem to be ideal b/c there seem to be no emissions, 
it would be ill-advised to support them catagorically without knowing if 
they, too, pose a danger from dioxin exposure.

Thanks for any help -- and I'd also be grateful to hear from anyone with any 
information about incineration alternatives (and that means disadvantages 
as well as advantages)! 

Karen Elizabeth Jacks
Program in Biohazard Science
Nicholas School of the Environment		e-mail:  kej@acpub.duke.edu
Duke University
Durham, NC