Sources of PCDD/PCDF and impact on the environment

PCDD/PCDF can be formed in a variety of industrial and thermal processes. Especially the combustion sources contribute to the ambient air levels. In addition to the well-investigated emissions from municipal waste incinerators dioxins were measured in the flue gases of other thermal emitters. It was found that some recycling plants can emit high concentrations of PCDD/PCDF. Ambient air concentrations monitored over several years have shown a clear seasonal trend with higher PCDD/PCDF levels in winter and lower concentrations during summer. Thus, results from short-term measurements cannot be used to calculate annual means for ambient air concentrations or deposition rates. Dioxins, once concentrated in sewage sludge and compost can re-enter the environment when these “reservoirs” are applied onto agricultural and horticultural soils.