Dioxin Risk Reinforces Recommendation for Low-Fat Diet

A report from the Environmental Protection Agency suggests the cancer risk from dioxins may be greater than previously thought, but only for people who eat lots of fat.

Dioxin is released into the air and water and works its way into animals and fish, accumulating in fatty tissue, which is eventually eaten by people. The primary concern is over the cumulative lifetime exposure to dioxins, not eating a single food.

Eating a low fat diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and not smoking are considered the best recommendations for preventing heart disease and cancer, the nation's No. 1 and No. 2 killers.

The Associated Press, May 18, 2000