Re: dioxin formation in landfills [burning]

[Joseph R Parrish Jr <JoeParrish@compuserve.com>]

Neil,
Since dioxins can be formed without heat, 
as in wood pulp bleaching,
I suspect that any landfill fire can do the same.
Only a source of oxygen and chlorine are necessary 
along with an organic substance.
Landfills usually have batteries, fluorescent bulbs, 
etc. as well, so smoldering landfills are probably more 
toxic in some ways than some of the newer burners 
with mercury controls.  It takes very little heat to volatilize 
mercury, in fact, none.  
Joe
NY/NJ Environmental Watch