Dioxin

Dioxin
An example of Dioxin

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Dioxin!

    Background Info:
  •         Our chemical name is called, Dioxin. The term "dioxins", commonly covering polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs), refers to a group of chlorinated organic chemicals with chemical structures that are alike. Dioxins come from a trace byproduct of many industrial and natural processes, especially those involving combustion. They effect us when entering the body because they slowly accumulate. Dioxins also stay a long time because of their chemical stability and their ability to be absorbed by fat tissue, where they are stored in the body. Studies have shown that, exposure to Dioxins can cause breast cancer. They also can effect the reproductive system.




      Synthesis and Production:
  • Dioxins are produced mainly by human activity and to a lower extent they are also generated naturally by forest fires or volcanic activity. Dioxins have no use and are formed unintentionally by industrial processes and incomplete combustion. Complete composition occurs when all of the starting material is consumed in the reaction. For example city and domestic waste incineration, burning fuels (wood, coal or oil),chlorine bleaching of pulp and paper and chlorinated pesticides manufacturing are all things that produce Dioxins. The Burning of many materials containing Chlorine, like plastics, wood treated with pentachlorophenol (PCP), pesticide-treated wastes, other polychlorinated chemicals (PCBs), and even bleached paper can produce dioxins. The smoke from cigarettes, home-heating systems, and exhaust from cars also contain small amounts of dioxins. Dioxins aren't readily created for us they are just there as a byproduct. This chemical is not used in everyday life.
Chemical Reaction:
     Environmental Implications:
  • When Dioxins enter the air, they are deposited on land or water. They have been detected in soil, surface water, sediment, plants and animal tissue. Soil near the  areas of incineration also may be contaminated with dioxins. The surface of bodies of water can become contaminated when rainwater carries soil containing dioxins into surface water and when some industries empty their dioxin-contaminated waste directly into surface water. This effects the animals living in the water which effects us eventually finding their way into the food chain. Dioxins are easily absorbed by animals and are stored in fatty tissue. Dioxins can extinct species and cause low food supply to humans. Dioxins can be something that may not be drastically effecting us at the moment but it could in the long run.
    Human/Animal Health Impacts:
  •        Dioxins enter the human body through the digestive and respiratory tracts. Dioxins can also be absorbed through the skin. Then they are distributed throughout the whole body. Whether dioxins cause a health effect is determined by how much it gets into your body, how it gets into your body and how long you have been exposed to it. Dioxin exposure can cause a severe skin condition called chloracne.It results in small, pale yellow skin lesions that could last from weeks to years. Dioxins can cause short-term liver effects without any symptoms that are visible. Studies have shown that workers exposed to dioxins for many years had increased cancer rates. Studies have also shown that the reproductive, immune and nervous systems of the developing fetus and children are more open to dioxins. As for animals, dioxins have caused nerve damage, birth defects, increased rates of miscarriages and changes to the immune system. As you can see Dioxins are very harmful.
     Economic and Political Impacts:
  •       There are many companies that contribute to Dioxins. Companies that produce dioxins are gas companies, cigarette companies, ect. Dioxins are produced through the consumption of cigarettes. They are major contributers to this issue. Like Cigar companies, gas companies also go hand to hand with they cigarette company. We use gas on a daily basis, whether its for some type of heating or for transportation. So many people use it so many times on a regular basis. This chemical has been restricted by other companies that have nothing to do with cigarettes or gas which is why they aren't mentioned.  
  • Should Dioxins be band?
           The answers to this question varies. We personally think it should be banned because of the danger it can cause. Dioxins have been linked to many serious health effects in humans, including cancer, reproductive and developmental effects, altered immune function, and disruption of the endocrine system. Being that this chemical is so dangerous, it is already banned in certain places since 1976.
    Dioxins can also effect the immune system and cause disruption of the thyroid and sex steroid endocrine systems. As the conclusion, dixions should be banned.




  • Over-view
       Dioxin is basically a mistake chemical. Its A highly toxic and environmentally
persistent compound, C12H4O2Cl4, produced as a byproduct in some manufacturing processes, notably herbicide production and paper bleaching. It is obviously harmful if exposed to the outer human body, just as any other chemical. Some say its the cause of breast cancer, and others say it effects the repruductive system. Dioxins are deffinitely not used and everyday life, and isn't likely to become apart of it.

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