In addition to the chlorinated dioxins, brominated dioxins are also known
to be formed and emitted by municipal solid waste incinerators. These
have a similar toxicity to the chlorinated dioxins but at present are
entirely unregulated.
Along with dioxins, numerous organic compounds are known to be
emitted from incinerators, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
chlorinated benzenes and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many
of these are persistent, toxic and accumulate in the food chain. Some
cause similar effects to dioxins and some are known to cause cancer.