Dioxin Regulations and Public Policy

Perspective on Regulatory and Public Policy Matters

For over 100 years, the people of The Dow Chemical Company have been applying science and technology to create innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services. We help people live better and access to energy-efficient and affordable homes and enjoy cleaner and safer food and water. It is a privilege to participate in the betterment of society through science. However, it comes with responsibility which we take seriously.

Just as these improvements in daily life are grounded in science and consideration of risk, so too should be the policy decisions that frame the legislation and regulations under which we operate. Dow is engaged around the world in helping develop risk-based regulatory policy on managing substances, such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and REACH, the European Union regulatory framework for chemicals management which entered into force on June 1, 2007. Dow is aware that our products - which provide benefits to society - also pose challenges, and we are committed to managing them and their by-products.
Both government and industry have been working to reduce dioxin emissions considerably since the 1970s. Governments use regulations, to which industry adheres.

Industry also proactively develops emissions reduction technology and new and more efficient processes that will generate fewer unwanted by-products.
There are several international, regional and national policies that focus on dioxins and furans. Dow's position on and approach to these policies can be found below:

  • European Union requirements
  • Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the International Joint Commission's Bi-national Toxics Strategy
  • Stockholm POPs Treaty and U.S. regulations