Dioxin: Biological Toxicity

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Dioxin is considered to be one of the most toxic substances known to the human race. The history of dioxin in the United States is filled with controversy and debate. Questions regarding whether dioxin causes cancer, as well as myriad other diseases, and the nature of the risk associated with these diseases abound in the media and literature. A wealth of evidence has shown that dioxin causes carcinogenic, neurological, reproductive, developmental, physiological, and immunotoxic effects in various animal models, yet very little evidence exists to implicate dioxin as a cause of human disease. Scientists currently lack important information pertaining to the biological mechanisms of dioxin’s actions and consequently cannot properly assess the chemical’s health risks. In this paper, I will summarize the biological effects that have been shown to result dioxin exposure and discuss current views regarding the biological mechanisms responsible for these effects.



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