Chemical processes confirmed as dioxin source
15 Jan 2000
Chemical processes including PVC manufacture have been confirmed as being among the main sources for dioxins, according to a report from the environment agency. Other sources include metal recycling and sewage sludge disposal.
In a new report on dioxin emissions, the agency pinpoints several sources. These include electric arc furnaces used for steel production; aluminium and lead recycling; production of PVC and ethylene dichloride, per- and tri-chloroethylene; pesticides; municipal waste incineration; accidental fires, sewage sludge disposal and the open use of pentachlorphenol.
Releases of dioxin are so low that the public is in no danger of exposure to levels above the Department of Health's recommended dose, the agency says. However, it aims to minimise all releases and to ensure that `wherever possible, they are disposed of in trace quantities contained in other waste to landfill sites.' This is the safest route as dioxins are not soluble in water, it explains; therefore, there is no danger of it being leached into the environment.
