Dioxins do not typically exist in materials before they are incinerated. However, when materials and waste are burned, dioxins are produced and introduced into the environment. Currently backyard burning of waste materials creates higher levels of dioxins than industrial incinerators. Backyard burning is particularly dangerous because it releases pollutants at the ground level where they are more readily inhaled or incorporated into the food chain.

Best resource:

• The Hidden Hazards of Backyard Burning 

Other related information:

• Best Burn Practices (building a fire, safe wood-burning techniques, and what not to burn)
• Wood Smoke and your Health (what is wood smoke, who is at risk, and what are the environmental effects)
• Burn Wise Program (tips, wood stove tags, and other related information)
• Burn Bans on Indian Reservations (refer to this page for the current burn ban status)
• Agriculture and Air Quality (on Backyard Burning)