The exposure and toxicities of polychlorinated dibenzo-paradioxin-like chemicals

Due to the carcinogenicity and the considerable impact on our environment and ecosystems, polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (Dioxins) and their structurally similar compounds such as polychlorinated dibenzo-para-furans (Furans) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have become concerns to public health. Among them, 2,3,7,8 tetra-dioxin has been called the 'poison of the century' because it is the strongest hepatocarcinogen. The sources, exposure levels in various environmental media and corresponding environmental fates, number of significant episodes, and toxicities of these compounds were extensively reviewed. We concluded that, residual PCBs, further efforts should focus on reducing the harmful effects. However, for dioxins and furans, the challenges are to improve the technology to decrease the production of these impurities within the manufacturing process, and to develop the biotechnology to decompose these persistent compounds.