Dioxins are toxic, chlorinated chemicals that persist in the environment for long periods. They accumulate in the food chain and enter the human body primarily through consumption of animal products like meat and dairy. Major sources of dioxin contamination include waste incineration, industrial processes, and natural events like forest fires. Exposure to dioxins is linked to increased risks of cancer, skin conditions, diabetes, and damage to the immune system. Recommendations to reduce dioxin intake focus on choosing low-fat animal products and increasing consumption of plant-based foods.

1. Dioxin exposure and health effects “ Let us watch well our beginnings, and results will manage themselves” Alexander Clark Maryna Kuzminska Master student in Chemistry University of Leipzig Leipzig, 2010

3. 1. What are dioxins?

5. 2. Behavior of Dioxins in the environment

7. 3. What are the major sources of dioxins?

8. Sources of dioxins contamination Waste Incineration 2% Energy Generation 4% Other High Temperature Sources 1% Metallurgical Processes 3% Chemical Manufacturing 1% Land Sludge Application 4% Societal 5% (e. g., residential wood combustion, crematoria, gasoline and diesel use) Industrial 15% Natural Forest Fires 54% Backyard Trash Burning 26%

9. 4. Dioxin toxicity and human health effects

12. 5. Dioxin contamination incidents

19. 2004, Ukraine 2004 - Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko was poisoned with dioxin (TCDD) three and a half years after poisoning before poisoning three months after poisoning

20. 6. How to avoid dioxins? Recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines

31. Thank you!