Deposition of dioxins in Flanders (Belgium) and a proposition for guide values

Since 1993 the VMM (Flemish Environment Agency) organises twice a year a measurement campaign of the dioxin deposition in cooperation with the VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research). During this period the deposition of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) has significantly decreased. Emission reduction programs and closing-down of major sources are the main reasons for this improvement. There are still high depositions in the vicinity of ferrous and non-ferrous industries but reduction plans are in progress. A proposition for a guide value for deposition of PCDD/F has been made. Annual average depositions should not exceed the range of 3.4–10 pg TEQ m−2 day−1.