Where It Comes From
Incomplete combustion (wood stoves, vehicle exhaust, waste incinerators), petroleum and coal tar processes, and contaminated hazardous waste sites [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing polluted air near combustion sources, secondhand smoke, and contact with contaminated soil or dust; diet is a less common route for the parent compound [1][3].
Why It Matters
Can cause irritation and dizziness with short-term exposure; repeated or high exposure may affect the liver in animals. Cancer evidence is inadequate; IARC classifies it as “not classifiable” (Group 3) [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Workers in waste incineration, metal production, coke ovens, petroleum/chemical manufacturing, and people living near industrial sources; smokers [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Don’t burn trash; use well-maintained, clean-burning stoves; follow air-quality alerts; avoid smoking and secondhand smoke; reduce dust (wet-wipe, HEPA vacuum); at work, use ventilation and PPE and follow monitoring programs [1][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Dibenzofuran. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]IARC. IARC Monographs—List of Classifications: Dibenzofuran (Group 3).
- [3]U.S. EPA. Dibenzofuran—Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) and Hazard Summary (Air Toxics).