Zero Dioxin Exposure Alliance

Alliance Members California ZeroDioxin Exposure Alliance Asian Pacific Environmental Network Breast Cancer Action Breast Cancer Fund California Communities Against Toxics California Nurses Association California Public Interest Research Group (CalPIRG) Center for Environmental Health Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic Chester Street Block Club Association Clean Water Action Commonweal Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) Communities for a Safe Environment (CSE) Desert Citizens Against Pollution Ecology Center Endometriosis Association

Statement of the California Zero Dioxin Exposure Alliance Dioxin exposure is a clear threat to human health and the environment. Dioxin has been linked to cancer, reproductive disorders (including endometriosis), developmental, immunological and other health problems. Numerous studies and years of government and industry research validate the public's concerns that the continued production and subsequent exposure to dioxin create a clear threat to human health and the environment. As dioxin is the unintended by-product of industrial processes involving the use of chlorinate chemicals, it is with the utmost urgency that we move to: Halt virtually all waste incineration, including all municipal waste, hazardous waste, radioactive waste, cement kiln incineration, chemical weapons, boilers and industrial burners, sewage sludge incinerators, coal, wood and petroleum energy burners, and most medical waste; incineration will be reserved for only that small amount of highly infectious medical waste not amenable to source reduction or less toxic methods of disposal, until safer and more effective disposal alternatives are available; Expose and stop disproportionate impacts on low-income communities or communities of color; Phase out the industrial uses of chlorine and production of endocrine disrupting chemicals in petrochemical and other industries; prevent pollution at the source and support non-toxic, sustainable alternatives. Develop a just transition program for workers displaced by our society's movement toward a chlorine-free society; Demand the development of and access to complete information from government and industry on the sources of dioxin, including adding dioxin to the federal Toxics Release Inventory; Develop and conduct biological monitoring of dioxin levels in our bodies, in the workplace and in the environment; Encourage production and consumption habits for non-chlorine and non-toxic alternatives; educate consumers about health and environmewntal consequences of dioxin; Create a sustainable environment and economy with zero dioxin emission and zero dioxin exposure