2.5 Conclusions
The dioxin samples collected at the three sites over 18 months indicate that, on a regional basis, ambient dioxin levels are low and are in all cases a small fraction of current overseas standards for these substances.
Background levels at Siding Spring are among the lowest of any of the available results reviewed by the EPA and are comparable with those reported in New Zealand and Connecticut, USA. European readings at comparable locations were generally an order of magnitude higher.
The urban-industrial levels measured at Warrawong were lower than at comparable sites in all other places, including New Zealand, Belgium, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.
The levels of dioxins measured at urban Westmead were similar to those measured in the Netherlands, Sweden and New Zealand, but considerably lower than those in Japan (winter), Belfast in the UK and Cracow in Poland. The Westmead results were well within current international goals.
Page last updated: 26 February 2011
