Polychlorinated dioxins and furans: Sources of emissions
Industry sources
The principal sources of dioxins are:
- Combustion and incineration sources such as: incineration of solid waste, sewerage sludge and hospital wastes; high temperature steel production, smelting operations and scrap metal recovery furnaces and the burning of coal, wood petroleum products and used tires for energy generation all result in emissions to air.
- Chemical manufacturing and process sources such as manufacture of chlorine, chlorinated organic compounds may result in emissions to air or water.
Industrial and municipal processes including chlorinated bleaching processes used in pulp and paper production and in some cases municipal sewerage sludge may result in emissions to water. Dioxins may also be formed in water during chlorination of waste and drinking water treatment plants.
Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data
Dioxins and furans are ubiquitous and can be found in a wide range of environments and organisms though normally in very small quantities. The persistent and hydrophobic nature of dioxins mean that they can accumulate in soils sediments, organic matter and waste disposal sites. Disturbance of these sites, such as dredging may re-release the dioxins.
Natural sources
May occur in natural fires.
Transport sources
Dioxins may be formed during the combustion of automotive fuel.
Consumer products
May be present in products (such as some pesticides) where it is an inadvertent contaminant produced during the manufacturing process. May be present in food substances due to contamination in the food chain.
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