EPA Cites Cancer Risks From Dioxin

The Environmental Protection Agency in a draft report concludes that the cancer risk from exposure to dioxins is significantly greater than previously estimated

 

[ Pesticide Poisoning and Kids ] * [ Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning ]
[ MEMORIAL TO VICTIMS ]

Subject:   Dioxin Debate--
Date:       Wed, 17 May 2000 12:23:15 -0400
From:        Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization:     Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)

To:     Lyndon Hawkins <hawkins@empm.cdpr.ca.gov>
          Senior Research Scientist
          State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation - Integrated Pest Management

Dear Lyndon, I thought you might like to read an article dated 12:58 AM ET 05/17/00 entitled:  EPA Cites Cancer Risks From Dioxin -  By H. JOSEF HEBERT - Associated Press Writer.

        WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Environmental Protection Agency in a draft report concludes that the cancer risk from exposure to dioxins is significantly greater than previously estimated, agency sources said late Tuesday.

        The report, which is expected to generated widespread controversy and has not yet been scientifically peer reviewed, has been in the works for years and is to be released next month, officials said. It is based on an extensive review of dioxin findings in the scientific literature and not original research.

        The report concludes that at least one form of dioxin - the most potent form known as TCDD - should be classified as a definite human carcinogen. Other dioxin-like compounds were considered by the EPA reviewers as ``likely'' carcinogens.

        Dioxin, a chlorine byproduct that is produced through a number of chemical processes including combustion, enters the food chain and can accumulate in humans over a lifetime.

        The EPA report projects a relatively high risk of cancer from exposure to dioxin for a small segment of the population who eat large amounts of fatty meats and dairy products that may be relatively high with dioxin contamination.

        For these individuals, the report concludes, the risk of developing cancer from dioxin exposure may be as high as 1 in 100, or 10 times greater than in previous projections, according to an official familiar with the findings.

        The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the new projections stemmed from new evidence of cancer risk.

        The EPA findings were first reported by the Washington Post which said it had obtained a copy of the draft report.

        The report, according to the EPA sources, also links exposure to dioxin to a variety of other health problems, including diabetes, developmental problems and irregularities in the immune system. And it concludes that children's intake of dioxin is greater than those of adults because the chemical is often present in dairy products and even breast milk.

        EPA officials emphasized, however, that the draft report's conclusions should not dissuade people from eating a well balanced diet, including lowfat foods, dairy products and vegetables that may contain some dioxin residues. And officials said the benefits of breast feeding continue to outweigh the risks from dioxin.

        One agency official noted that industrial emissions of dioxins have been reduced by about 80 percent since the 1980s and are expected to be cut even further in coming years.

        The EPA in recent years has either issued of plans to issue tougher smokestack regulations on a number of dioxin sources including municipal, medical and hazardous waste incinerators and the pulp and paper companies.

        Dioxins have been closely studied for over 20 years with hundreds of articles in the scientific literature. Still, the health effects of dioxin on humans remains somewhat uncertain. For example, dioxins have been found to cause birth defects in mice, but no such causation has been established in humans.

        The EPA draft report reflects an intense review of the scientific literature, officials said.

        EPA officials acknowledged that its findings will prompt extensive debate. Industry groups as well as some scientists over the years have accused the EPA of exaggerating the dangers of dioxins.

Well Lyndon, now the odds of getting cancer from some contaminated foods is 1 in a 100 - but, not to worry the "benefits" STILL outweigh the risks!  Why don't you "regulators" PROTECT the people not allow "someone" to POISON them?

Respectfully,  Stephen L. Tvedten

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