Mutagenic and genotoxic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, a review.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin is one of the most toxic and highly stable compounds known in the environment. Due to uncontrolled exothermic reactions during manufacture of 2,4,5-T and other chlorophenoxy compounds, TCDD is released in the environment. The importance of determining the hazards to human health from dioxin became apparent because of its severe adverse health effects. 'Agent Orange' which is a mixture of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D has been extensively used during the late Vietnam War. In this review an attempt has been made to evaluate the mutagenic and genotoxic effects of 2,3,7,8-TCDD as known at present.