Subject Top Page: Dioxins Program

This page last reviewed July 29, 2008

Dioxins
in California

Dioxins are highly toxic chemicals that are formed during the combustion (burning) of materials and the manufacture of certain chlorinated chemicals. Dioxins can be emitted from a variety of sources including cars and trucks, waste incineration, chemical manufacturing plants and other industrial sources that burn fuel. Dioxins can also be emitted from other sources such as forest fires and residential wood burning. These toxic chemicals are inhaled directly or can contaminate vegetation and be eaten by animals and humans. Dioxins then accumulate in the body. The Air Resources Board (ARB) has identified dioxins as a toxic air contaminant (TAC) and they are listed as hazardous air pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). Many studies, including U.S. EPA's Reassessment of Rioxins, have shown that dioxins can cause cancer and other health problems including birth defects and liver damage.

	What ARB is Doing About Dioxins
	-	California Ambient Dioxin Air Monitoring Program (CADAMP)
	-	Stationary and Mobile Source Testing
	Dioxins ATCM for Medical Waste Incinerators

Air Toxics Program

Dioxins Program

Up Links

Local Links