Health Consequences of Dioxins in Humans and other Mammals

For years there has been discussion and controversy regarding health effects of dioxins. These persistent man made chemicals are usually unwanted contaminants and have been found in Agent Orange and in products of combustion. They are present in all humans tested to date with modern chemical analytic methods. Levels vary in humans and genetic susceptibility can lead to some being more and others less sensitive to their health effects. Children, persons with immune deficiency from cancer chemotherapy or HIV infection and some others may be particularly sensitive. For some time, a skin rash known as chloracne was thought to be the “hallmark” of dioxin exposure. It is now known that chloracne is acne caused by high dose exposure to chlorinated or brominated dioxins or related compounds. With improved chemical analysis of dioxins in blood it has been possible to determine diseases related to dioxin exposure. This approach to humans exposed to dioxins, along with animal and cell culture research has demonstrated that dioxin exposure in humans can lead to cancer, reproductive and also developmental problems, endocrine disruption, nervous system damage, liver damage, health effects on the heart and on blood pressure, skin changes and some other adverse health outcomes which will be described in some detail. (This abstract does not reflect NIEHS/NIH policy.)