Assessment of Dioxin-Like Compounds Released from Iranian Industries and Municipalities

In the past 10-15 years, the world has encountered a new type of organic dioxin-like pollutant from products of combustion and byproducts of industrial processes and activities of the municipality. Dioxins are very toxic substances. According to various studies, it is believed that these compounds have devastating impacts on the environment and public health. Since these pollutants are persistent and can remain in the environment for several decades, they may have global implications. Estimation of the amount of dioxin-like compounds has been done in 15 industrialized countries according to United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). In this study, the amount of dioxin-like pollutants in Iran was estimated to be 1282gr TEQ/year compared with 100 to 4000gr TEQ/year in European countries, the USA and Japan. Iranian sources of dioxins are considerable comparing to that of industrialized countries. Therefore, a higher incidence of adverse health effects such as carcinogenesis and changes in liver function, thyroid hormone levels, immune cell levels, and decreased performance in learning and intelligence tests may be anticipated in polluted areas. The result of this study necessitates a sound national strategy for monitoring the release of these pollutants in Iran. Further studies are recommended on Dioxin-like compounds in polluted areas. (Tanaffos 2007; 6(3): 59-64)