From the DataCenter's Environmental Justice Program, Winter 2002:

EPA Dioxin Report Authorized for Release

Dioxin is a highly toxic industrial by-product of industrial processes involving chlorine. Sources of dioxin include paper and pulp mills, hazardous waste incineration, sludge from waste facilities, cement kilns that burn chemical waste, and the manufacturing of PVC plastics and some pesticides. The human health effects from exposure to dioxin include cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities, endometriosis, infertility, suppressed immune functions, reduced IQs and hyperactive behavior in children.

The Center for Health, Environment and Justice, in collaboration with organizations nationwide and across the world, coordinates a Stop Dioxin Exposure Campaign focused on eliminating all sources of dioxin discharge. The campaign works to educate the public about dioxin hazards and to move all levels of government to enact policies that eliminate sources of dioxin.

One key source of information about dioxin hazards and sources is an official report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The dioxin industry, which does not want the EPA's information to be released, has successfully delayed completion of the report, which has been in production for 15 years. Before the report can be released, the EPA's Science Advisory Board must review it.

Research by the DataCenter's Environmental Justice program uncovered the industry ties and leanings of the Science Advisory Board members, showing that 91 dioxin-industry firms provided funding to six board members. When the Center for Health, Environment and Justice revealed this information at the Science Advisory Board's review meeting, board members with obvious industry ties were effectively "muted" and neutral members received enough support from the activist audience to "come down on the side of protecting public health." The report was approved and the EPA was directed to complete it for formal release in 2001.

Although the report reassessment has been approved and submitted to EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman in June 2001, Whitman has still not approved it for formal release. Center for Health, Environment and Justice and other organizations worked with U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi's office to send a letter this summer urging Administrator Whitman to sign the reassessment and authorize it for public release. 40 U.S. Representatives signed on to the letter.

For further information or to get involved with the Stop Dioxin Exposure Campaign, contact Center for Health, Environment and Justice.