Dangers Of Dioxin Exposure

Dioxin is the second of twelve Hormone-Altering Chemicals we will be discussing today in our Dirty Dozen series. Dioxins are multi-taskers, but not in a good way. They form during may industrial processes when chlorine or bromine are burned in the presence of carbon and oxygen.  Dioxins can disrupt the signaling of systems of male and female sex hormones in the body. This is NOT a good thing.

Recent studies have shown that exposure to Dioxin in the womb and early in life can permanently affect sperm quality and lower sperm count in men during their prime reproductive years. Dioxins are very long-lived, build up both in the body and in the food chain, are powerful carcinogens and can also affect the immune and reproductive systems.

How To Avoid Dioxin?

That’s pretty difficult, since the ongoing industrial release of dioxins has meant that the American food supply is widely contaminated. Products including meat, fish, milk, eggs and butter are most likely to be contaminated. You can cut down on your exposure by eating fewer animal products if possible. For more information check out Ewg.org