A draft of a much-delayed report from the U.S. EPA concludes for the first time that at least one form of dioxin is a “human carcinogen,” while other dioxins are “likely” carcinogens. The chance of developing cancer for those who eat large amounts of fatty foods and dairy products, which are relatively high in dioxins, may be 1 in 100, or 10 times greater than the EPA’s previous estimate, the draft says. The final report, which is scheduled to be released next month after scientific review, could have far-reaching implications for industry. Dioxin is generated by industrial processes, such as medical-waste incineration and paper-pulp production. Regulations have caused emissions to drop about 80 percent since 1987, the EPA says, but enviros say dioxin standards still need to be tightened.
