DALLAS An expert on dioxin poisoning tells Associated Press Radio that
the substance causes widespread damage, and patients are slow to recover.
Doctor Arnold Schecter of Dallas says a woman he treated a few years ago
had been poisoned with dioxin, and had symptoms similar to those of Ukrainian
presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko (yoo-SHEN'-koh).
The doctor says the best way to detect poisoning is with a blood test.He
says dioxin had been a part of the former Soviet Union's chemical weapons
plan.
Dioxin is formed as a by-product from industrial processes such as waste
incineration, chemical and pesticide manufacturing and pulp and paper bleaching.
London-based toxicologist John Henry says dioxins are a normal contaminant
in many foods. He says tests can pick up traces long after the exposure.
