Non-Cancer Science Assessment For Dioxins Finalized

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized its non-cancer science assessment for dioxins, which was last reviewed in the 1980s. Dioxins are toxic chemicals that naturally exist in the environment and can be released into the environment through forest fires, backyard burning of trash, certain industrial activities, and residue from past commercial burning of waste. The assessment findings show that generally, over a person’s lifetime, current exposure to dioxins does not pose a significant health risk.

EPA has identified many known sources of dioxins. Working with other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, EPA has taken steps to address dioxin. This includes research on dioxin exposure and effects; assessing dioxin human health risks; measuring dioxin levels in the environment; and reducing exposure to dioxin.

The non-cancer health assessment for dioxin could be considered in a range of agency activities, from establishing cleanup levels at Superfund sites, to reviewing the dioxin drinking water standard as part of EPA’s regularly scheduled review process, to evaluating whether additional Clean Air Act limits on dioxin emissions are warranted.

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