Dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Dioxins are persistent compounds that accumulate in the air, soil or water and find their way into the food chain. They are toxic and carcinogenic chemical substances formed by combustion processes. They are present in fatty products of animal origin, as well as in meat, dairy products, eggs and fish products, and can be ingested by humans and accumulate in fatty tissue. Ingested in large doses over a period of time, they can affect the hormonal, nervous, reproductive and immune systems in humans.