Dioxins are man-made chemical compounds that enter the air through fuel and waste emissions, including motor vehicle exhaust fumes and garbage incineration. Most human exposure to dioxins occurs through the consumption of contaminated foods, especially animal fats. Dioxins may also be carried in rain and contaminate soil and watersheds. Skin rashes, liver damage, weight loss, and a reduction in the effectiveness of the immune system have all been attributed to human exposure to dioxins. Through the efforts of the EPA, dioxin levels in the United States have been steadily dropping. EPA regulates municipal waste combustion and other dioxin-producing sources and works with local governments and industry partners to continue reducing dioxin releases into the environment.
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