Recorded presentation

Linda S. Birnbaum, PhD, Experimental Toxicology Division, NHEERL, US EPA, 66 USEPA Mailroom, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, (919) 541-2655, Birnbaum.Linda@epamail.epa.gov

TCDD, the most toxic man-made chemical, is the prototype for a family of structurally related chemicals known as “dioxins”. They are ubiquitous environmental pollutants which are persistent and bioaccumulative. They induce a plethora of effects in animals throughout the vertebrate kingdom. These have been observed in wildlife, domestic species, and laboratory animals. Effects range from biochemical changes in metabolism to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicities, neuro- and immuno-toxicity, skin and liver toxicities, and cancer. A common receptor protein, which is highly conserved, has been implicated in essentially all of the effects of dioxins. This Ah receptor is present and functional in humans, and has similar properties to the Ah receptor observed in fish, birds, rodents, and non-human primates. Human cells, tissues, and organs in culture respond similarly to dioxins as do those from other animals. Effects observed in people include the same biochemical changes as observed in other animals. Adverse effects reported to be associated with exposure to dioxins in people include chloracne (a high dose response), Type II diabetes, endometriosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and developmental neurotoxicity, developmental reproductive effects, and developmental immunotoxicity. Many of these developmental effects, which are quite subtle, have been noted in children whose mothers are among the more highly exposed members of the general population. Levels of emissions of dioxins have decreased over the past twenty years, and body burdens are also falling decreasing the likelihood of adverse effects from exposure to this class of pollutants. (This abstract does not reflect Agency policy.)

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the potential health effects from a ubiquitous, highly toxic, environmental contaminant.

Keywords: Veterans' Health,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation