Dioxins at a Glance
How dioxins get into our bodies
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- Discharges to air; discharges to water.
- Dioxin onto land and into water.
- Cows and sheep eat the grass; fish live in the affected water.
- We eat affected products.
Where in the environment do dioxins go?
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- Land - 50%
- Air - 47%
- Water - 3%
Note: These values are approximate and may vary.
How do dioxins get into the air?
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- Landfill fires - 39%
- Industry - 24%
- Home heating - 16%
- Backyard burning - 11%
- Motor vehicles - 2%
- Other - 8%
Note: These values are approximate and may vary.
What are the primary sources of dioxin pollution of land?
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- Ash and other solid wastes from industry (includes waste sent to landfill) - 50%
- Ash from domestic heating and backyard burning - 26%
- Domestic solid wastes sent to landfill - 15%
- Sludge from sewage works (industrial and domestic) - 9%
Note: These values are approximate and may vary.
