STRUCTURAL, CLINICAL AND TRANSMISSION ASPECTS OF DIOXINS - POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL-POLLUTANTS

Dioxins are toxic and potent carcinogenic compounds formed as contamin ants in milk and foods. Their occurrence, structure, prevalence in dif ferent food products, transmission to man and detection methods are di scusses briefly. The dioxins and related compounds are found as trace contaminants in the synthesis of several commercial products, importan tly chlorophenols. Dioxins have also been reported to be present in ci garettes, smoke and ash. The air-borne dioxins are transmitted to man either by direct inhalation or via forage, livestock, milk and meat. M others who have dioxins in the body could transfer them to the infants through breast milk, which may lead to late haemorrhagic disease in t he newborn infants. It is important that there should be a check on th e emission of 2,3,7,8-tetra-chlorodibenzo-p-dioxins by industries, and pollution laws should take cognizance of these toxic compounds. This aspect is more relevant to India in view of the rapid industrializatio n taking place today.