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'''Dioxins and furans''' are two very similar groups of polyhalogenated compounds that are well-known toxic and persistent pollutants. Often the term "dioxins" refers to both dioxins and furans. The most well-studied compound is [[2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin]] or [[TCDD]]. Dioxin is formed as a by-product of many industrial processes that involve chlorine including waste incineration, chemical and pesticide manufacturing and pulp and paper bleaching.<ref>[http://www.ejnet.org/dioxin/ Dioxin Homepage], EJnet.org website, Accessed July 16, 2010.</ref> This family includes seven of the polychlorinated dibenzo dioxins ([[PCDD]]s) and ten of the polychlorinated dibenzo furans ([[PCDFs]]). Another group of chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls ([[PCBs]]), are also very similar to dioxins and furans.<ref>U.S. EPA, [http://www.epa.gov/pbt/pubs/dioxins.htm Dioxins and Furans], Accessed August 6, 2010.</ref> At very low levels, dioxin can change the way cells grow and develop. Scientists claim that one form of dioxin causes cancer in humans. Some other human health effects include reproductive problems and birth defects.<ref>[http://maine.gov/dep/dioxin/ Dioxin], State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection website, Accessed July 16th, 2010.</ref> Dioxins and furans are both included in Annex C in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which means that "parties must take measures to reduce the unintentional releases of chemicals listed under Annex C with the goal of continuing minimization and, where feasible, ultimate elimination."<ref>The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, [http://chm.pops.int/Convention/ThePOPs/tabid/673/language/en-US/Default.aspx "What are POPs?"], Accessed August 6, 2010</ref>