"After 21 years of wrangling over health threats, uncertain science and industry pressure, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday released its assessment of dioxins defining how toxic they are. Lauded by environmental activists and criticized by industry, the report concluded that there are potentially serious effects at ultra-low levels of exposure."
"Nevertheless, the EPA said that exposures have declined so much in the past two decades that most people are safe. "Today’s findings show that generally, over a person’s lifetime, current exposure to dioxins does not pose a significant health risk," EPA officials said. One scientist called that statement "very odd" because it discounts the threat to people who have higher exposures and those, such as babies, who are at higher risk of effects. Studies have linked dioxins to cancer, disrupted hormones, reproductive damage such as decreased fertility, neurological effects, immune system changes and skin disorders. Most people on Earth have traces in their bodies, and they are exposed mostly through fish, meat and other animal products. "
Marla Cone reports for Environmental Halth News February 17, 2012.
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