The latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on dioxin levels in the Irish environment shows that dioxin levels in all of the samples taken in a 2012 survey were well below the relevant EU limits.

The report is based on dioxin levels measured in cows’ milk in a 2012 survey. The report also shows that dioxin levels measured in this survey compare favourably with those taken from similar surveys in the EU and other countries.

Commenting on the results, Dr Colman Concannon, Dublin Regional Chemist, EPA Office of Environmental Assessment said: “The survey confirms the continuing low levels of dioxins and dioxin-like substances in the Irish environment. A total of 38 samples were taken and, at an average of 10 per cent of the EU limit, concentrations of dioxins were low by international standards and comparisons. This is the tenth such survey undertaken by the EPA since 1995 and the results are in line with the earlier studies.”

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

The principal mechanism for the entry of dioxins into the environment in Ireland is by low-level emissions from multiple combustion sources to the atmosphere, with subsequent deposition onto vegetation such as grass. Any dioxins on grass ingested by cows tend to concentrate in the milk fat. Hence, sampling for dioxin levels in the milk of grazing cows is the approach adopted.

The survey was carried out between June and early August 2012, during the peak outdoor grazing season, by taking a series of milk samples mainly from representative regional dairies. Additional samples were also taken from localities that might be seen as areas of potential risk of raised dioxin levels.