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Dioxins in Your Backyard?

Landfills and industrial processes provide the largest sources of dioxin in New Zealand, according to a recently survey by the Ministry for the Environment. Chief Executive Denise Church says that industry appears to be responsible for about half of our dioxin emissions.

The study looked at dioxin emissions from industry, domestic activity, and natural events such as forest and scrub fires. The Ministry also consulted key industries and other agencies.

"Fires at landfills were identified as the single largest source of emissions in this country," Church says. "Industrial processes, including incineration of medical and pathological waste and production and processing of metals, are also significant sources of dioxins."

Dioxins are also released in situations where combustion is inefficient. These include small incinerators and boilers, household fires burning wood and coal, and backyard rubbish fires.

"The study confirmed the findings of our earlier research, which showed comparatively low levels of dioxins in our environment compared with Europe and North America. New Zealand's total release of dioxins is estimated to be between 41 and 109 grams per year."

Dioxins are highly toxic chemicals that may contribute to a range of health problems, including cancer and birth deformities. They are long-lasting in the environment and accumulate in the body, so even low levels of exposure can, over time, be of concern. The United Nations is currently developing a global convention on dioxins and other organochlorine chemicals to minimise their release to the environment and subsequent human exposure.