Dioxins such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are commonly regarded as one of the most dangerous chemical pollutants for the environment and human health alike due to their toxicological properties, persistence and potential to bioconcentrate. Their uptake by the organism takes place mainly through the oral route, and to a lesser degree through the respiratory and dermal routes. Numerous epidemiological studies show that those compounds have the ability of long-term accumulation in the organism, causing the disruption of homeostatic mechanisms and the deterioration of immune resistance. Short-term exposure to dioxins manifests in skin changes and chloracne. Long-term subjection to dioxins causes disorders in the functioning of the endocrine system, immune system, nervous system, reproductive system and affects the course of pregnancy and fetal development. The primary sources of dioxin pollution in the environment are the processes of burning waste of the industrial, municipal and healthcare kind. Another significant source of pollution is the industrial sector, including steelworks and non-ferrous metal smelters, as well as secondary raw material processing plants and landfills of municipal and industrial waste. According to various scientific research sources, approximately 95% of the daily dioxin intake enters human organisms with food, which makes it the primary source of human exposure to this particular group of environmental pollutants. This paper presents information regarding dioxins, chloroorganic compounds commonly encountered in the environment. Among this numerous group of chemical compounds, there are ones that exhibit heavily toxic properties for the environment and the living organisms that inhabit it.

26.2.2021