3148 UK oil refining and the atmospheric emission of dioxins. A briefing paper

Overview:

The second edition of this publication reviews the latest health effect data and the contribution of the refining industry to the UK dioxin and furan inventory. It provides updates to legislative references and has been compiled to inform the non-expert.

The briefing paper is a synthesis of publicly available material on a group of trace pollutants collectively referred to as 'dioxins' or PCDDs/PCDFs (Polychlorodibenzo-para-dioxins/ dibenzofurans). It begins by reviewing their chemistry, formation and adverse health effects and then proceeds to evaluate, at the national and refinery level, sources, emissions and regulatory policy. The paper concludes with a short section on emissions monitoring.