Validation study for the use of the dioxin responsive CALUX assay for analysis of Japanese ash and soil samples

Introduction In Japan incineration is a common method for disposing of municipal waste and it is estimated that more than 10,000 incinerators of various capacities are currently in operation. In the past couple of years there has been an increased concern regarding the emission from these incinerators and other the emissions of other industries. In particular the concern has focused on the inadvertent production and release of chlorinate aromatic compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). In August 1997 the Japanese government addressed these concerns by amending the cabinet orders of the Air Pollution Control Law and Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law. These amendments implemented stricter regulations on incinerators and other industries that emit PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs.