Even though modern incinerators use filters and processes to remove many of the harmful particulates and toxins from the hot flue exhaust gases produced as a result of the incineration process, they still do not filter out the smallest particles,. These particles could cause health problems in areas that are exposed to their emission downwind, with ongoing research seeking to establish the exact effects. Many of these tiny particles do not have any air quality standards or regulations attached to them which basically gives incinerator companies freedom to emit without consequence. The toxic fly ash which is prevented from release into the air environment by the filtration process also has to be dealt with (see below). Pollutants can still escape the system into the air resulting in toxic heavy metals like Cadmium being dispersed into surrounding ground and water environments. The issues relating to heavy metal release into the environment was discussed on the Ecoants page on land pollution in our batteries section. Dioxins too can escape. These compounds can be carcinogenic and have other detrimental effects on human health.