Dioxins are a group of toxic chemical compounds created through the process of burning/incinerating our waste. These compounds are some of the most toxic waste known to science. They are so power-ful they could signifi cantly effect humans ability to reproduce. Not since the DDT scare in the 1960’s has a pollutant been so pervasive in our society. We not only absorb these toxins through our skin but through the air we breathe and the food we eat. The main question on most peoples minds; “What are the adverse health effects of constant exposure to dioxins?” In addition to cancer, exposure to dioxins can also cause severe reproductive and developmental prob-lems (at levels 100 times lower than those associ-ated with its cancer causing effects). Dioxin is well-known for its ability to damage the immune system and interfere with hormonal systems. Dioxin ex-posure has been linked to birth defects, inability to maintain pregnancy, decreased fertility, reduced sperm counts, endometriosis, diabetes, learning dis-abilities, immune system suppression, lung prob-lems, skin disorders, lowered testosterone levels and much more.
The major sources of dioxin are in our diet. Since dioxin is fat-soluble, it bioaccumulates, climbing up the food chain. So starting with the smoke, this toxic dust falls to the ground to be absorbed by plant life which is eaten by animals which are then eaten by us. A North American eating a typical North Amer-ican diet will receive 93% of their dioxin exposure from meat and dairy products (23% is from milk and dairy alone; the other large sources of exposure are beef, fi sh, pork, poultry and eggs).Your next question is probably “What can I do?” The answer is very simple “STOP BURNING TRASH”. The open burning of household trash in Vermont is ILLEGAL. The laws were passed not to limit our free-dom but to protect our FAMILIES and our CHILDREN from the dangerous chemicals emitted. Even if you are not the one who is burning you will still be the one affected. We can no longer afford to be so reck-less with our environment.
For more information on alternates to burning please contact Marcus Berry @ 626-3532
or on the web at outreach@nekwmd.org