Leverkusen explosion: What exactly are dioxins, furans, PCBs and PAHs?
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1After an explosion in Leverkusen in western Germany, authorities are warning that a series of toxins were probably released into the atmosphere. Locals have been told not to eat fruit and vegetables from their gardens.
During an explosion at a hazardous waste incineration plant at Chempark near Leverkusen in western Germany earlier this week, tanks containing chlorinated solvents burst into flames. The solvents, as well as greases, waste medicines, tar and other pollutants are usually incinerated at temperatures of around 1,100 degrees Celsius (2,012 degrees Fahrenheit).
Only when they are incinerated at temperatures of over 850 degrees Celsius can it be ensured that no dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) remain in the combustion gases.
But if the incineration is not done properly, certain toxins, which belong to what are known as the dirty dozen of organic environmental pollutants, can remain or even be produced and then be dispersed into the atmosphere.
Thus, following this week's explosion, authorities have warned local residents not to touch any particles of soot or eat any fruit or vegetables from their gardens.
How do you vote?
Yes deoxins are harmful to the human health. Dioxins and furans can be transported over long distances when dispersed into the air and enter the food chain via the soil and plants, eventually entering the human organism. In 2011, German authorities discovered dioxins in eggs after fats intended for use in industry was mixed with animal feed. Thousands of poultry farms were closed.
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The explosion in Leverkusen might have released damaging toxins into the air
PAHs Like dioxins and furans, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons are also released by improper combustion processes, for example, when coal, oils, solvents, wood or even tobacco are not incinerated completely. They can also be caused by grilling, and particularly, burning meat and are found in tar and asphalt, waste oil and in ash.
added by Anonymous 771 days ago