KTL (National Public Health Institute, Finland), Division of Environmental Health

Kuopio, Finland, 1999

The original booklet can be ordered from the KTL library. This web site contains an updated version with minor changes.

Contents

Burning produces dioxins
Dioxins and some PCBs cause multiple toxic effects.
Dioxins and PCBs accumulate in the human body.
Risk assessment is tricky.
Common sources of errors and practical difficulties.

from A to C
from D to O
from P to Q
from R to Z

Structure of the booklet.

The aim of this booklet is to give information on PCBs and dioxins as you need it, without having to read through all possible scientific details, but having an option to reach some whenever necessary. Therefore the structure is dictionary-like; after a short introductory chapter, all data are at specific entries in alphabetic order. Some references to further reading and the most essential sources are occasionally given. Since dioxin literature is full of phrases and definitions which are not part of everyday language, some crucial pieces of general information are also given, starting from the measures of picogram quantities all the way through some basic facts on pharmacokinetics, the fate and behaviour of chemicals in our body. The editors wish you an interesting journey rambling in the exiting world of the chemicals of the year. A www-version of this booklet will be available and updated at http://www.ktl.fi/dioxin/. Therefore, comments and improvements will be appreciated: e-mail Jouko.Tuomisto@ktl.fi.

Jouko Tuomisto    Terttu Vartiainen    Jouni T. Tuomisto