Dioxins in peat and its formation: An overview

Abstract Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans collectively named dioxins, have long been investigated in numerous ways in their formation and presence in diverse types of matrices, e.g.,, air, soil, food, milk, and tissue, and their effects on human health among others. In the 1970s and 1980s, dioxins and other hazardous pollutants were found to be excessive in the environment prompting a global concern on its restriction and elimination. By year 2000, curbed industrial releases had remarkably lowered dioxin emission. However, dioxin emission continued to be a hazard from non-industrial sources such as forest fires, domestic combustion, and vehicles. In South East Asia, frequent peat fires may have leadingly contributed to the dioxins level in the environment. The objective of this review is to compile related data on dioxins in peats and to theorize the possible source and their formation.