Title: Application of 'alternative' methods for dioxin monitoring - shifting the paradigm

Auteur(s): Hinshaw GD ;  ; 

Year: 2001

Journal: Organohalogen Compounds

Subject(s): dioxin ; monitoring ; analysis ; polychlorinated ; Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and ; toxicity ;  ; 

Summary: Many times we have seen environmental practices and procedures develop based more upon circumstances and immediate needs, than upon the best use of resources to address public health issues. At present, the dioxin analysis industry represents more a continuation of the status quo than a means to deal with real world human health and ecological issues. Although complete speciation of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) is very important to understand their generation and disposition, for routine monitoring of environmental media, alternative methods that provide an indication of toxicity at reasonably low detection limits and at low cost should be brought into mainstream use where appropriate.