Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofruns (PCDF) are groups of compounds (named dioxins) and seven PCDD and 10 PCDF with chlorine substitutions at the 2,3,7 and 8 positions are considered toxic. The public has been concerned about human exposure to PCDD/F from contaminated animal food products. This paper discussed possible dioxin exposures to beef using wide-ranged literature values. This survey showed that, in Japan, high levels of concentrations of dioxins in ambient air were found in industrial and urban areas due to many municipal wastes solid incinerators, and those in soil in rural areas due to intensive use of herbicides. Concentrations of dioxins in Japanese beef were compatible with other literature values in other countries. In the future, systems approach based on comprehensive researches and collecting data will be required to identify and resolve the major problems for dioxins.
