Dioxins and dioxin-like substances
The objective of this section is to help users to identify the tools to assess risks to public health with regard to dioxin and dioxin-like substances and to manage those risks appropriately.
Dioxins and dioxin-like substances, including PCBs, are persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Human exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like substances has been associated with a range of toxic effects, including immunotoxicity, developmental and neurodevelopmental effects, and changes in thyroid and steroid hormones and reproductive function. Developmental effects are the most sensitive toxic endpoint making children, particularly breast-fed infants, the population most at risk.
In order to set up or improve the public health management of dioxin and dioxin-like substances further information is provided, including tools to assess and manage related risks.