This report provides a summary of new scientific research (at the time of publication) on the toxic effects caused by or associated with exposure to dioxin. The information in this report is drawn from a   comprehensive assessment of the sources, fate, and health effects of dioxin contained in the Technical Support Document (TSD) to this report. This report is intended to inform the public and their representatives in government so appropriate action can be taken to safeguard the health of the American people. The scientific findings of this report make it clear that there is an extensive body of high quality scientific information describing the toxic effects of dioxin in people. This data indicates that dioxin is a potent chemical that produces a wide variety of toxic effects in animals and that some of these effects are occurring in people.