Age Specific Relationships for Dioxin Levels

Yesterday we discussed the 25 people who received results of testing by the MDCH. I realize a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous... so here is a little bit more! Studies were done in the late 1990's on levels of dioxin in the body. People in four states were involved:

• North Carolina - no known source of exposure
• Missouri - incineration sources
• New York - eating fish & wildlife
• Louisiana - near industrial sources

Here is the table showing average levels of dioxin for different age groups.

Individual results should be referenced to Age Specific Dioxin TEQ Reference Range table and note the increasing number values with increasing age.
Table 3: Dioxin TCDD reference range based on 4 studies from LA, MO, NC and NY
Age Group N Mean Std Median P75 P90 P95 Min Max
15-29 116 1.0 1.1 0.8 1.0 1.9 2.4 0.3 9.7
30-44 199 1.4 1.3 1.0 1.7 2.9 4.0 0.2 10.9
45-59 160 1.9 1.6 1.4 2.6 4.1 5.0 0.3 9.3
60+ 113 3.9 3.7 3.2 5.8 7.5 10.9 0.3 22.6
All 588 1.9 2.3 1.1 2.5 4.6 6.0 0.2 22.6

This table is formatted correctly in the document which EACH participant should have from MDCH: Age Specific Dioxin TEQ Reference Range

You must realize... dioxin exists in all of our bodies. Depending on how often we participate in the carnivorous pleasure of a good Porterhouse steak or a sinfully delightful bowl of Ben & Jerry's ice cream... how often we enjoy an after dinner cigarette or cigar... or campfires with the family, we all carry around varying amounts of dioxin and always have.

Why do I care? Because unlike the unfortunate people who are looking for a reason for their illnesses, I am not sick and I thank God for that every day of my life! I want to believe that living on the Tittabawassee River floodplain does not cause adverse health problems in humans. I know it hasn't caused any problems in my life or the lives of my beloved children and grandchildren!