Lexikon

polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), or simply dioxins, are a group of halogenated organic componunds with a dioxin skeleton and chlor substituents different in numer. Members of the PCDD family have been shown to bioaccumulate in humans and and animals, are known toxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic and reprotoxic. Similar group of toxicants are the the polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Dioxins occur as by-products in the manufacture of chlorinated organic substances, in the incineration of chlorine-containing substances such as PVC, in the bleaching of paper, and also from natural sources such as volcanoes and forest fires.