CH0013
Dioxins and dioxin-like substances, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and are unwanted by-products of combustion and various industrial processes, such as chlorine bleaching of paper pulp and smelting. They can travel long distances from the source of emission, and bioaccumulate in food chains These substances represent a major public health concern. They have been associated with a range of acute and long-term adverse health effects and diseases (WHO, 2019).