Dioxins

Persistent Pollutants

Polychlorinated dioxins and furans (short: PCDD/F) are pollutants that can be found throughout our environment. They are mainly produced through incomplete combustion processes or as unwanted byproducts during the manufacturing of certain chemical products such as pesticides, paints, or solvents.

These substances are extremely stable, heat-resistant (up to approx. 900 °C), and degrade very slowly in the environment – meaning they can accumulate in soil, plants, and animals over many years. Dioxins became especially well-known due to chemical accidents or food scandals involving contaminated animal feed.

For humans, the primary source of exposure is through high-fat animal-based foods such as meat, fish, milk, and their products. This is why dioxins are regularly monitored as part of government and internal company control programs.

How dangerous are dioxins?

Dioxins are a group of chemically similar compounds. Some variants – particularly those with what’s known as 2,3,7,8-substitution – are especially toxic. They can be carcinogenic and cause genetic damage, among other effects.

To assess their danger, a rating system called the “Toxicity Equivalent” (TEQ) is used. This system helps to compare the varying potencies of different dioxins – much like a points system. This way, a lab result can indicate not only whether dioxins are present but also how hazardous the overall mixture is.
Due to their high toxicity, particularly strict limits apply to food and animal feed.

What are dioxin-like PCBs?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) belong to the same “problem family.” They are also very persistent, can accumulate in the environment and the human body, and in certain cases have toxic effects similar to dioxins.

PCBs were once commonly used in industrial products – for example, in paints, building materials, or electrical devices. Today, they are more likely to arise unintentionally, such as during specific chemical manufacturing processes.

Modern Analytics – Efficient and Reliable:

Testing food for dioxins and PCBs used to be complex and expensive. But thanks to modern methods – such as the QuEChERS extraction developed by us – analysis is now significantly simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.

For quality managers, this means that you can have your raw materials, finished products and animal feeds regularly and effectively tested for contamination – with minimal effort and high reliability.