Does dioxin exert toxic effects in humans at or near current background body levels?: An evidence-based conclusion

Abstract

Evidence-based toxicology like evidence-based medicine, provides scientifically grounded evidence-based conclusions as distinguished from authority-based opinions. As an example, we address a proposition from the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Draft Dioxin [2,3, 7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo-P-dioxin (TCDD)] reassessment that: 'dioxin ... can produce effects ... at or near current background body burdens or intake levels'. Guided by a systematic, objective, and unbiased analysis of the available molecular, physiological, and clinical/epidemiologic data, in accordance with accepted principles of scientific logic, we reach the evidence-based conclusion that the proposition is rejected. When gaps in scientific knowledge necessitate formulation of opinions to meet preventive or precautionary goals, the reversion to authority should be explicitly acknowledged. © 2006 Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd.