Polyhalogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins are arguably among the most toxic molecules known to man. In addition to anthropogenic sources, marine invertebrates also harbor polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins of as yet unknown biogenic origin. Here, we report that the bmp gene locus in marine bacteria, a recently characterized source of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, can also synthesize dibenzo-p-dioxins b...

Environmental context Dioxins have been found along the east coast of Australia in agricultural areas where there is no obvious source dioxins. These dioxins an unusual signature that does not match common industrial sources, but it has suggested they may be associated with pesticide use. This study a strong correlation between this unique and amount kaolinitic clay sediments sampled. Abstract ...

Chlorinated dioxins are the group of environmental pollutants consisting of 210 chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. They are highly toxic and persistent. They are lipophilic and can easily biomagnify in the food chain, hence posing a serious threat to human health. The daily consumption of low-level contaminated food, mainly of animal origin, leads to the accumulation of dioxins in...

Dioxins are a group of chemically-related compounds that are persistent environmental pollutants. Dioxins are found throughout the world in the environment and they accumulate in the food chain, mainly in the fatty tissue of animals. More than 90% of human exposure is through food, mainly meat and dairy products, fish and shellfish. Many national authorities have programmes in place to monitor ...

The polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (dioxins) are groups of compounds with similar chemical and toxicological properties. Carcinogenicity was considered the most serious toxic end point when setting previous regulatory policies, but recent concerns have focused on the possible endocrine-disrupting activities of the dioxins. Toxicity is related to the 2,3,7,8 pattern of chlor...

Dioxins (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. The contamination of food products with dioxins and PCBs is a well studied issue, because food is generally considered the major source of dioxin intake for humans. In Italy, the Regional Monitoring Plan (part of the national residue monitoring plan) used in the field for 2009 has also included the...

Dioxins have been shown to bind and induce rodent CYP1A2, producing a dose-dependent hepatic sequestration in vivo. The induction of CYP1A2 activity has been used as a noninvasive biomarker for human exposure to dioxins; while there is a consistent relationship between exposure and hepatic CYP1A2 induction in rodents, this relationship has only been observed in some of the highest exposed human...

polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), whereas 135 congeners belong to the group of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF). Figure 1 shows general structures of PCCD and PCDF. Dioxins are widespread contaminants with no specific usage and they are not produced. They mostly appear as unwanted byproducts of different industrial processes, combustion in waste incineration, and in the production o...

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans are persistent organic pollutants with well-known toxicity and carcinogenic activity. These organic pollutants have the tendency to bioaccumulate, present little or no biodegradation and subsequently, could cause a menace to the ecosystems and human health. This review discusses the occurrence, fate an...