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#390 (05/19/94): Dioxin Reassessed, Part 1 Page 3 of 9 ancillary experimental data to support the inference that humar are likely to respond with a plethora [an abundance] of effect: from exposure to dioxin and related compounds. " [pg. 49] ** Dioxin's most powerful effects are seen in the reproductive system, the endocrine (hormone) system, and the immune system. Most sensitive of all are newborn infants and fetuses exposed while in the womb. "In mammals, postnatal functional alteratior involving learning behavior and the developing reproductive system appear to be the developmental events most sensitive to perinatal dioxin exposure. The developing immune system may a] be highly sensitive. " [pg. 36] In other words, dioxin exposure of mammals (including humans) shortly before or short] after birth ("perinatal") are most likely to impair intellectuE development and the immune system. The immune system protects against bacterial and viral disease, and cancer, so damage to t immune system can invite other serious diseases. ** Some of dioxin's powerful effects are observable in humans dioxin exposure levels already occurring in the U.S. population [pgs. 34, 37, and Table 9-3 following pg. 431 EPA says, "Some the effects of dioxin and related compounds have been observed in laboratory animals and humans at or near levels to which people in the general population are exposed. " [pg. 471 And: "In humans, subtle changes in enzyme activity indicating liver changes, in levels of circulating reproductive hormones i males, in reduced glucose tolerance, and in cellular changes related to immune function suggest the potential for adverse impacts on human metabolism, reproductive biology, and immune competence at or within one order of magnitude of average background body burden levels. " [pgs. 49-50] In other words, average levels of dioxin already present in the bodies of http://www.monitor.net/rachel/r390.html 8/13/98