DR CALUX®
dioxins
mode/action
bioassay
procedure
properties
ER CALUX®
estrogens
mode/action
bioassay
procedure
properties
Dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzodioxins; PCDDs) are one of the most toxic man-made compounds known.
They are persistent environmental pollutants (POPs) and tend to accumulate in biota. Dioxin-like compounds such as polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) show similar properties. This group of chemicals, also known as polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs), display a wide variety of toxic effects in mammals, birds, and fish. Among the toxic effects observed as a result of exposure to PHAHs are immunotoxicity, carcinogenicity, metabolic changes, and even death.
New EU-wide legislation implemented in July 2002, set limit values for dioxins and dioxin-like materials in feed and foodstuffs with the aim of reducing dioxins intake to European populations. Stakeholders at all levels of the food chains have an obligation to make sure that materials going into the food supply - from farm to fork - do not exceed these limits. Materials not meeting these limits are not allowed to be used or are classified as unfit for human consumption. Traditional analytical techniques for dioxins are too expensive and time consuming for food and feed screening. BioDetection Systems' Chemically Activated Luciferase Expression or CALUX® reporter gene bioassay offers a practical technology for monitoring compliance with the new limit values.
For more detailed information about the background to this subject CLICK HERE.
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