Dioxins from Combustion

Dow USA Michigan Division researchers have announced the discovery that the 75- member family of chlorinated dioxins (including TCDD) occurs naturally as a consequence of the combustion of a variety of fuels and other common materials, may have done so as long as there has been fire, and is occurring today throughout the world.

The discovery occurred when Dow researchers tried but could not scientifically nor logically link the discovery of TCDD found in fish to pesticide production at Midland, and therefore had to look for a less obvious source of dioxin. We do not yet fully understand the significance of the Michigan Division discovery as it relates to pesticides. We know that when we search for TCDD in an environment exposed to 2,4,5-T we do not find measurable amounts; and that when we search for TCDD and other chlor-dioxins in an environment exposed to large sources of fuel combustion we do find measurable amounts. Possible explanations for this diffirence are being discussed, but a firm answer still lies in the future.