抄録
In Japan, there has been accumulating data on polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/DFs) in a variety of biotic and abiotic matrices, based on the indication of the Law Concerning Special Measures against Dioxins. One of the most noticeable occurrences is their presence as impurities in commercial formulations of brominated flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenylethers and subsequent occurrence in household products and recycled products. The Ministry of the Environment of Japan hosted a workshop on the pollution status and control of PBDD/DFs in February, 2012, which was organized in the context of the review on the findings obtained to date and discussion on the way forward of their risk evaluation and management. Additionally, in 2011 a joint World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Environment Programme expert consultation took place to evaluate the inclusion possibility of PBDD/ DFs in the WHO Toxicity Equivalency Factor scheme. In this paper, the outline and points at issue of the both workshops were briefly depicted. International information transmission from Japan is highly expected to meet demands to fill up data gaps on the occurrence, behavior and control of PBDD/DFs.
