Emission of toxic and persistent organochlorine compounds into the environment is known to have been recently a very important environmental and health problem. One of the major groups of these compounds is the polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), commonly named dioxins, including 75 compounds composed of benzene rings with bound chlorine atoms in different positions and quantities. Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known to have a similar structure and properties. The biological effects of dioxins in food chains have been widely studied in the literature on the subject for the last four years. The major pathways of their impact on the organism are suspected to stimulate the cascade of inflammatory cytokines and the induction of oxidative stress. An effective way to prevent poisoning may, therefore, be expected to be administration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Recent studies in experimental animals have confirmed the protective action of high doses of tocopherol and mentioned substances against dioxins.
® Postepy Hig Med Dosw