Abstract
The controversy about dioxin effects on human health received a great deal of attention recently when the State of Missouri was declared to have a dioxin crisis. However, dioxin and several related chemicals are widespread throughout the world. Cutaneous signs play an important part in evaluating toxicity of dioxin and similar chemicals. Chloracne is the most sensitive indicator of significant dioxin exposure. Porphyria cutanea tarda and hyperpigmentation are other known cutaneous effects, and malignant fibrous histiocytomas of the skin may possibly be associated, although data are inconclusive on this point. The AMC Council on Scientific Affairs recommended that all physicians become familiar with chloracne and other toxic effects of dioxin. Dermatologists, especially, should be aware of the problem and may discover early cases of previously unsuspected exposure to this group of chemicals.
MeSH terms
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Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / etiology
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Animals
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Benzofurans / poisoning
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Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated
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Dioxins / poisoning*
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Environmental Exposure
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Environmental Pollutants / poisoning*
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Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / chemically induced
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Humans
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Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / poisoning
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Lethal Dose 50
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Naphthalenes / poisoning
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Pigmentation Disorders / chemically induced
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Polybrominated Biphenyls / poisoning
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Polychlorinated Biphenyls / poisoning
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Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / poisoning
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Polychloroterphenyl Compounds / poisoning
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Porphyrias / chemically induced
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Skin Absorption
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Skin Diseases / chemically induced*
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Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced
Substances
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Benzofurans
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Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated
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Dioxins
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Environmental Pollutants
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Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
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Naphthalenes
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Polybrominated Biphenyls
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Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins
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Polychloroterphenyl Compounds
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Polychlorinated Biphenyls