Dow is committed to responsibly manufacturing and supplying the building blocks of chlorine chemistry that help produce essential products to make our lives safer, healthier and more convenient. We acknowledge dioxins and furans are unwanted by-products of chlorine chemistry and have undertaken considerable efforts to reduce dioxin and furan emissions to the environment.
Health Effects
Scientific studies of people who have had exposures to dioxins hundreds or even thousands of times higher than background levels (as documented by blood measurements) have not consistently demonstrated any adverse health effects other than chloracne¹ in some cases. Temporary liver and other biochemical changes have been reported in some studies. These temporary changes have not led to long-term adverse health impacts in people.
Since 1967, Dow scientists have conducted numerous studies among its employees around the world who have been exposed to a variety of chemicals, including certain dioxin and dioxin-like chemicals. Results of all studies demonstrate the same conclusion — that Dow employees who were exposed to high levels of dioxin in an industry setting generally do not have a higher risk of disease, with the exception of chloracne¹, which occurred in employees who experienced very high exposure levels.
For additional information, see Health Effects.
Reducing Emissions
Dow has reduced dioxin and furan emissions and actively promotes technology improvements across the chemical industry. Dow believes actions taken to lessen potential human exposure should be specific to a particular situation. Decisions should be based on science and risk principles and the realistic probability for exposure and absorption into the body. We seek science and risk-based solutions that protect human health, the environment, and contribute to the well-being of local communities. For additional information, see Dow’s Emission Reduction Goals and Progress to Date.
Managing Issues Related to Historical Operations
Many of the issues surrounding dioxins and furans relate to discontinued products, production processes and waste handling practices. We are managing those issues related to our historical operations. For additional information, see Current Regional Issues.
Regulatory Action
Dow supports a consistent, coordinated regulatory environment for substances at global, national and regional levels to complement voluntary industry efforts.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Reassessment
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) panel charged with reviewing the most recent version of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) draft dioxin reassessment issued its report, on July 11, 2006. Overall, the NAS panel was critical of EPA’s approach and recommended EPA make a number of significant changes to the draft dioxin reassessment. When these recommendations are implemented, the risks from dioxin exposures will be much less than portrayed in the original assessment and will be more scientifically-based.
- Stockholm POPs Treaty
Dioxins are one of the 12 chemicals or chemical categories currently covered under the Stockholm POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) treaty. Dow actively supports this international agreement. For additional information, see Stockholm Treaty/Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Additional Information
¹Chloracne is a temporary skin condition with symptoms similar to those associated with teenage acne. More severe cases of chloracne can result in disfiguring boils and lesions. The effects usually clear within months, but scarring may be permanent.
