In light of recent reports of high dioxin levels from garbage incinerators causing contamination in milk in the West Fjörds, further investigation has shown that the dioxin in milk elsewhere in the country has not been measured.
As has been reported, dioxin emissions from a garbage incinerator near Ísafjörður have appeared in milk in the region. Dioxin, which is highly toxic, has also reportedly been causing environmental and health problems there. It later came to light that incinerators in the Westman Islands and in Kirkjubæjarklaustur have also been giving off dioxin emissions far above the safe limit.
Despite this, dioxin levels in milk originating from these two regions have not been measured.
A safe level of dioxin is considered to be no higher than 3 picograms per gram of fat, with a picogram being one trillionth of a gram. The Directorate of Health measured milk from the West Fjörds as having 3.98 picograms of dioxin per gram of fat, or 32% over the safe limit.
Milk produced in one region is not simply distributed where it is produced; rather, milk from all over the country is blended together. However, dairy official Jón Baldursson told Eyjan that he does not believe dioxin levels are dangerously high in Iceland. How each individual reacts to the toxin varies, for one, and the matter is now in the hands of public officials who will be doing more exact measurements shortly.
Related articles:
Pollution In West Fjörds Becoming Serious Problem
High Dioxin Levels Reported In Westman Islands
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