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Dioxin/Furans

Background

Previous And Current Sources: Dioxin does not have any commercial uses. It has been found in the environment, in the products and emissions of chemical plants manufacturing chlorinated phenols, and in the ash residues and emissions of municipal waste incinerators. Emissions may also occur from pulp and paper manufacturing plants, industrial accidents, combustion, and gasoline and diesel exhaust.

Health Effects: The EPA recently completed its review of the health literature on dioxin in the Dioxin Reassessment. The EPA currently considers dioxin to be a known human carcinogen based on limited evidence in humans. Studies on dioxin health effects in animals have also demonstrated possible developmental effects, reproductive effects such as endometriosis, and immunological effects such as thyroid problems (USEPA 2000). The most noted health effect in people who have been exposed to large amounts of the form 2.3.7.8-TCDD is chloracne a severe skin disease. Other symptoms include skin rashes, discoloration, and excessive body hair. There have also been reported changes in individual’s blood and urine that indicate liver damage. Exposure may also induce long-term alterations in glucose metabolism and subtle alterations in hormone levels. In animal studies, exposure has resulted in liver damage, kidney defects, reproductive problems and birth defects, weakened immune responses and disruption of the endocrine system (ATSDR 1999A).

Ecological Effects: Dioxins and furans are highly persistent and readily accumulate in animal tissue. Reported effects on fish include increased mortality, decreased growth, increased fin necrosis in addition to teratogenic effects. Dioxin has also been linked to increased mortality in birds as well as reproductive failures, decreased growth, hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects (Eisler 1986).

Trade Names: none

EPA Substance Registry Information: Dioxin and Furans (no CAS number), The registry lists over 86 additional substances containing the word "dioxin" and 2000 containing the word "furan" .

Dioxin/Furans Monitoring and Research in Wisconsin

Environmental Monitoring

Source Monitoring and Reporting

  • TRI data for Wisconsin facilities reporting releases can be retrieved at EPA’s TRI Explorer, US EPA (exit DNR)
  • Open burning of garbage is a diffuse source of dioxin that is considered to be a significant source based on national research studies, but is difficult to directly monitor and quantify.

Laboratory Certification

  • The Department of Natural Resources certifies and registers laboratories to perform Dioxin/Furans tests for soil, water and waste testing for many of the agency's environmental programs.

Cleanup and Management of Dioxin/Furans in Wisconsin

Remediation and Redevelopment

  • The DNR’s RR program assists Responsible Parties with site investigation and clean up of any "hazardous substance" releases in Wisconsin. This would include releases containing dioxins or furans that contaminate soil or groundwater. RR program guidance on investigations and clean ups can be found at the RR program web site.

Air Management

  • Some Dioxins and Furans (2,3,7,8–Tetrachlorodibenzo–p–dioxin, Tetrahydrofuran and Tetrahydrofuran) are regulated as hazardous air pollutants (NR 445 Wisc. Adm. Code) under Wisconsin’s Air Management Program.
  • Open Burning - A real source of air pollution in Wisconsin in part because it is a potential major source of dioxin especially when PVC plastics are burned.

Groundwater and Drinking Water Management

  • There are groundwater standards for some Dioxin and Furans (Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD),Tetrahydrofuran, Carbofuran) in Wisconsin laws for Groundwater Protection (NR 140 Wisc. Adm. Code) and in Safe Drinking Water law (NR 809 Wisc. Adm. Code (Summary Table).

Surface Water and Watershed Management

  • Wisconsin has water quality standards for some Dioxins and Furans (NR 105 Wisc. Adm. Code) and guidelines for setting associated effluent limits (NR 106 Wisc. Adm. Code).
  • Pulp and Paper facilities are required to monitor for dioxins and furans as part of their WPDES permit application (more information)
  • General Wastewater Discharge Permit applicants must certify that to the maximum extent of their knowledge their discharge doesn’t contain dioxin.

Waste Management

  • Dioxin or furan contaminated waste are solid wastes, and may be hazardous waste. Waste Management program guidance on can be found at the WA program web site.

Options to Reduce Dioxin/Furans

National, International and other Dioxin/Furans Initiatives

Last Revised: Friday April 25 2008