Trace chemistries of fire: a source of chlorinated dioxins.

Quantitative data on particulate matter containing chlorinated dioxins from a wide variety of combustion processes are presented. New, highly specific and sensitive analytical methodology has been applied to the determination of dioxins in this particulate matter. Analysis reveals that chlorinated dioxins occur in particulates created in the combustion of most types of organic material. A hypothesis stating that chlorinated dioxins result from trace chemical reactions occurring in fire is proposed. (23 references, 6 tables)