Dioxines and furans (PCDDs and PCDFs)

Dioxins are a family of complex chemicals containing chlorine, known as polychlorinated-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and the related furans (PCDFs). There are several hundred dioxin substances. Some dioxin-type compounds are toxic at very low levels. The most toxic is 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin, which is often referred to as 2,3,7,8-TCDD.PCDDs and PCDFs are crystalline solids, virtually insoluble in water, but readily soluble in organic solvents, fats and oils.