| Description | Circumstances of exposure | Tumour sites (or types) for which there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans |
|---|---|---|
| Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds are substances known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) since they are organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation. Dioxins, e.g. dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), and dioxin-like compounds, e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are unintentional by-products of various industrial processes. |
Human exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like compounds occurs as a result of consuming meat, milk, eggs, fish, and related products because dioxins and dioxin-like compounds are persistent in the environment and accumulate in animal fat. The manufacture and use of some herbicides were important sources of dioxin release into the environment in the past. The restricted manufacture of many of these compounds has substantially reduced their contribution to environmental pollution, but they continue to be released into the environment through incineration/combustion processes (e.g. of some waste materials). PCB products were widely used in capacitors and transformers and in some building materials in the past; today’s exposure comes from demolition, dysfunction, or uncontrolled recycling of PCB-contaminated structures and equipment. |
All cancers combined (for dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)) |
- How relevant are chemical cancer-causing substances in the workplace and in the general environment?
- Which are the most important chemical substances in the environment that may cause cancer, and which cancers do they cause?
- Is there adequate control of cancer-causing chemical substances in the environment? Am I adequately protected?
- Is there any “safe dose” of exposure to cancer-causing chemical substances?
- What actions can I take to protect myself and my family?
- I have heard about other chemical substances, such as those present in some plastics that may cause cancer. Should I be concerned?
- Should I be concerned if I live in or close to an industrial area?
- In which occupations is there an increased cancer risk, and which are the most important types of cancers?
- Do chemical substances in the workplace interact with one another or with lifestyle factors?
- How do I know whether my cancer is caused by chemical substances in the workplace?
- Is there adequate control of workplace cancer-causing substances, and what actions can I take to protect myself and my family?
- Is it possible to implement cancer prevention and health promotion measures in the workplace?
- Does stress at work cause cancer?