American Council on Science and Health

Dioxin is a chemical by-product that is formed when materials composed of chlorine-based compounds are burned or otherwise deteriorate. In the following viewpoint, the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) argues that dioxin’s health risks are exaggerated. Thousands of people have been exposed to high levels of dioxin with few ill effects, the council maintains. Furthermore, studies comparing groups of workers who were exposed to dioxin to those who were not exposed show little difference in cancer and birth defect rates. Chlorine is an extremely useful compound that must not be banned, the council concludes. The American Council on Science and Health is a consortium of physicians, scientists, and policy analysts who study issues related to health, the environment, and lifestyles.

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