Dioxins are a group of petroleum-derived chemicals used industrially (in the production of pesticides, herbicides, and in chlorine bleaching of wood pulp for paper) and when plastics are burned. These chemicals are unfortunately ubiquitous in our environment and their half-life in the human body is estimated at 7 to 11 years. This means that when you ingest dioxins, it takes your body at least 50 years to eliminate these toxic chemicals. Dioxins are known to cause birth defects, miscarriages, and a skin disease called chloracne. Lesser evidence points to thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and cancer.

Most of the documented effects of dioxins have only been seen in high dosage exposure, especially from agent orange exposure from the Vietnam War. I recommend that you read this Sunday's Cleveland Plain Dealer to learn about the impact of agent orange exposure to US troops and their offspring (like my good friend and neighbor, Heather Bowser) and the continued poisoning of the Vietnamese in certain "hot spot" areas of Vietnam.  Click here to view article

90% of dioxin exposure in humans is through foods, especially meats, dairy, fish, and shellfish. This means that the best way for you to reduce your dioxin exposure is to eat organic meats, dairy, avoid farm-raised fish, and drink purified water. It is also helpful to reduce your exposure to dioxins by refraining from using herbicides and pesticides on your lawn and in your garden.