a chemical compound in the form of a chlorinated hydrocarbon which occurs as an impurity in the herbicide 2,4,5-T, is highly toxic and persistent, and is a teratogen
a carcinogenic dioxin C12H4O2Cl4 found especially as a contaminant in 2,4,5-T
Agent Orange also contained small, variable proportions of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin—commonly called “dioxin”—which is a by-product of the manufacture of 2,4,5-T and is toxic even in minute quantities.
The name ‘dioxin’ usually refers to one member of the group, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (C12H4Cl4O2), usually known as TCDD, severe exposure to which can cause chloracne in humans.
