Dioxin TCDD on list of cancer-causing agents

A type of dioxin, called TCDD, once used in pesticides and herbicides, has made it on to a U.S. government list of known carcinogens.

Dioxins are also a byproduct of uncontrolled residential waste burning, which is still a common practice at Iqaluit’s municipal dump.

Some dioxins are extremely toxic to animals. Last week a report released by the National Institutes of Health also confirmed there is “a causal relationship between TCDD and human cancer.”

Dioxins can cause skin rashes, skin discoloration, excessive body hair and possibly mild liver damage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Current exposure levels to dioxins for people are at or just below tolerable levels in most circumpolar nations.