CANADIAN NATIONAL DIOXIN SAMPLING PROGRAM - DIOXINS AND FURANS IN BIOTA NEAR 46 PULP AND PAPER-MILLS USING THE CHLORINE BLEACHING PROCESS

The Canadian National Dioxin Sampling Program was a 4 year study, initiated in 1988, to determine the extent of dioxin and furan contamination at marine and fresh water sites in the vicinity of pulp and paper mills using the chlorine bleaching process. This national program, coordinated by the federal departments of Fisheries and Oceans, Health and Welfare Canada and Environment Canada, encompassed fish and shellfish, waterfowl and sediment sampling components. As a result of a review of the data from this program, some fisheries were closed or advisories to limit consumption were issued in instances where risks were identified due to elevated levels of dioxins and furans. These actions effected commercial, recreational and Native food fisheries in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.