Dioxins and cancer link is raising concerns in Delaware. Vietnam Veterans are at double risk.

The National Academy of Sciences has confirmed that dioxin is known or likely to cause cancer, possible birth defects, and other health problems. According to the Delaware News Journal, "Delaware ranks No. 1 in the nation in the production of dioxins, dioxins, furans and dioxinlike polychlorinated biphenyls, industrial byproducts that in some cases are routinely trickled into the Delaware River." "The Edge Moor wastewater plant, the Delaware City refinery and the Wilmington Amtrak repair shops are among the region's top sources of dioxins and dioxinlike PCBs."

Vietnam Vets living in Delaware are at a double risk because Standard Chlorine of Delaware Inc. (now closed), supplied and then recycled some of the chemicals used to produce the herbicide Agent Orange.

Delawareans have probably been more heavily exposed to dioxin than people elsewhere, and there is a definite need for more action to protect people living in the state.