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What Is Dioxin Poisoning?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Dioxin poisoning is systemic injury caused by exposure to organic compounds in the dioxin family. Over 70 chemicals, primarily the byproducts of combustion and other industrial processes, can be found in this family. Many are widespread in the natural environment and can be found in soil and water as well as the tissue of animals. Most cases of dioxin poisoning are chronic, caused by low-level exposure over time, but acute poisoning can also occur in some settings.

In people with dioxin poisoning, the chemical compound interferes with cellular processes. It can readily pass through the intestines and tends to accumulate in the fat, building up in the body over time. One potential source of dioxin poisoning, for example, is breast milk, because it is made by breaking down fat cells which may contain high levels of the chemicals. The kidneys have trouble clearing dioxins, which means that as someone is exposed repeatedly to sources of these compounds, the levels keep increasing.

Dioxins may be present in certain herbicides.
Dioxins may be present in certain herbicides.

A variety of symptoms can occur with this type of poisoning, depending on the chemical involved. Organ failure can occur along with endocrine imbalances and damage to the cardiovascular system. Some patients develop a striking symptom called chloracne, where cysts start to develop on the face. People can start to experience fatigue and weakness as they get sicker. If they do not receive treatment and the exposure continues, they can develop fatal complications.

Organ failure may occur as a result of dioxin poisoning.
Organ failure may occur as a result of dioxin poisoning.

Chronic cases of dioxin poisoning commonly occur as a result of workplace exposure. People may work with dioxins or generate them in the course of completing tasks; they may inhale them or absorb them through the skin. Better pollution controls and limitation of access to areas where chemicals are made and stored can help reduce these risks. Compounds like agent orange, an herbicide used widely in the Vietnam War, are banned or restricted in some regions due to concerns about the risks of dioxin.

Dioxin poisoning may cause damage to the cardiovascular system.
Dioxin poisoning may cause damage to the cardiovascular system.

Acute cases usually do not come from environmental exposure, although it can happen. It is possible for someone to develop acute dioxin poisoning after ingesting large amounts of purified dioxins such as those used in some chemical products. This may be accidental or could be a case of deliberate poisoning. In these instances, patients develop symptoms abruptly and can experience severe side effects because their systems are quickly overloaded with the toxin, which can shut down the kidneys and cause a chain reaction of organ failures.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon963632

If it was dioxin or any other poison, it is alleged that it was Putin who instigated it, as it was he who was head of the KGB at the time. Since it was top secret, and Putin is still around, it's hard to say. Round up the usual suspects.

ysmina

I heard that dioxin is found in fish too, but in very small amounts so it doesn't do anything.

Does anyone here know about the effects that dioxin poisoning had on people in Vietnam during the war? What kind of permanent illnesses/disabilities did they develop? Did the dioxin poisoning affect their children-- the later generations?

bear78

@turquoise-- Yea, I remember that too, that was the Ukrainian president. His face was disfigured after he was poisoned with dioxin. I saw another recent picture of him and he does look better, but he still has some scarring on his face.

The acne caused by dioxin poisoning is very bad. It basically ruins a person's face. The Ukrainian president is actually lucky that he didn't die, because apparently, he was given a very large dose in his soup. I think he had some temporary paralysis from the poisoning too.

turquoise

Wasn't a president of a country hospitalized some years ago due to dioxin poisoning?

I remember this news because they were claiming that his opponents had intentionally poisoned him with dioxin in his food. But is that even possible?

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    • Dioxins may be present in certain herbicides.
      By: tuayai
      Dioxins may be present in certain herbicides.
    • Organ failure may occur as a result of dioxin poisoning.
      By: 7activestudio
      Organ failure may occur as a result of dioxin poisoning.
    • Dioxin poisoning may cause damage to the cardiovascular system.
      By: oscar williams
      Dioxin poisoning may cause damage to the cardiovascular system.
    • Compounds like agent orange may cause cancer and heart problems, although these conditions may not be diagnosed until years after exposure.
      By: jovannig
      Compounds like agent orange may cause cancer and heart problems, although these conditions may not be diagnosed until years after exposure.
    • Neurological symptoms may appear years after exposure to Agent Orange.
      By: leungchopan
      Neurological symptoms may appear years after exposure to Agent Orange.
    • Dioxin poisoning may cause the kidneys to shut down.
      By: 7activestudio
      Dioxin poisoning may cause the kidneys to shut down.