Not every waterbody in North Carolina is polluted with dioxins, but some waterbodies are. North Carolina’s history of having paper mills near our rivers has likely caused pollution of water and fish with dioxins.
What are Dioxins?
Dioxins are a group of related chemicals that last for a long time once they enter the environment. Although some dioxins are naturally occurring, from things like forest fires or volcano eruptions, most dioxins come from industrial operations. Usually, people are exposed to dioxins through soils and food, not through water or air. Like mercury and PCBs, dioxins accumulate up the food chain and ultimately to humans.
Why are we concerned?
Dioxins are toxic and can cause cancer. Developing babies are most sensitive to dioxin exposure.
Possible Health Effects of Dioxins in Children and Infants:
- Damage to developing nervous, endocrine (hormone), reproductive systems
Possible Health Effects in Adults:
- “Chloracne” rash or skin lesions
- Impaired liver function
- Impaired immune system