Turn off accessible linear format and redisplay the web page in it's original layout. Spotlight - Dioxin and Furan Reductions
Dioxins and furans are a large family of more than 200 different toxic substances. Exposure to dioxins and furans is associated with a number of serious adverse health effects, such as cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity and developmental toxicity. The largest source of dioxin and furan emissions in Canada is the large-scale burning of municipal and medical waste. Other major sources include the manufacture of chlorinated solvents, pulp and paper and iron and steel.
Forest fires are an example of a natural source of emissions of these substances. Dioxins and furans are slated for virtual elimination from the Canadian environment under the Government of Canada's Toxic Substances Management Policy.
Reductions in Dioxin & Furan Emissions
- Canada-wide Standards for the reduction of dioxin and furan emissions by the iron and steel sector were endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial governments in 2003. These standards will be included in a revised environmental code of practice for steel mills that is being written by Environment Canada.
- The pulp and paper sector has reduced its emissions of dioxins and furans to water by 99% since the introduction of a regulation in 1992, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, prohibiting releases of these substances. Most dioxins and furans that are currently generated by the pulp and paper industry are disposed of in landfills.
- A Canada-wide Standard has been developed to reduce air emissions of dioxins and furans by certain types of municipal incinerators. Canada-wide standards for coastal pulp and paper boilers in British Columbia were developed to reduce emissions of dioxins and furans. These emissions can result from the burning of bark from trees that are transported in sea water.
Beginning in the 2000 NPRI reporting year, facilities engaged in certain activities, including power generation, incineration and base metal smelting, were required to report all of their dioxin and furan releases, disposals and transfers to the NPRI, regardless of the amounts. In 2005, 300 facilities reported releases and/or disposals of dioxins and furans, the same number as reported in 2004. Between 2004 and 2005, reported releases and disposals of dioxins and furans increased by 18 per cent (56 g TEQ).
