Dioxin Causes Chloracne in West German Chemical Workers
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History II: Ecology and the Environment Series
- Categories: Science, Medicine, Health, Environmental Issues, Disasters
- Subcategories: Industry, Manufacturing, Factories, Ecology, Environment, Conservation
- Curriculum: 20th & 21st Century European History, German History
- Geographical Location: West Germany, Germany
- Date: 1957
Article abstract: The herbicide 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) has a very toxic contaminant, dioxin, which was first observed to cause chloracne in West German chemical plant workers in 1957.
Summary of Event
In the 1940’s, the pesticides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) were introduced into wide use as part of the effort to increase worldwide agricultural crop yields. These herbicides were initially regarded as both inexpensive and safe; 2,4-D was used as a killer of broad-leaf weeds...
[The entire page is 1675 words long]
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