A class of
organic chemicals, described as a
planar molecule bonded with
halogens (e.g.
chlorine or
bromine). Dioxins have been used as
herbicide (
Agent Orange), before concerns were raised over long-term toxicity and transmission through the
food chain. Now it is considered a
toxic industrial
waste.
Dioxin accumulates in the body over time; it does not seem to be eliminated by the natural filtering processes of the kidneys, spleen, etc. It is a known
carcinogen (i.e. promotes
cancer). At sufficient exposure levels, there is a "switch" effect and the victim starts to die. It causes abnormal cell growth and differentiation. Common signs of sub-lethal dioxin exposure in developmental stages are severe
cystic
acne and low
testicular mass. It can provoke immune
hypersensitivity, or depress the
immune system. General sensitivity in
mammals is widely varied; in some ways, dioxins behave more like
hormones than simple toxins.