Database of Sources of Environmental Releases of Dioxin like Compounds in the United States (EPA/600/C-01/012, March, 2001) has been developed by EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) to be a repository of congener specific chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran (CDD/CDF) emissions data from all known sources in the United States. The database contains information that can be analyzed to track emissions of CDD/CDF over time, compare homologue and congener profiles between and among source categories, and develop source specific emission factors that can then be used to develop emission estimates. The information contained in the database is associated with two reference years: 1995 and 1987. CDD/CDF emissions data was extracted from original test reports. The database was designed to accommodate facility based emission data, as well as non facility based sources (e.g., mobile sources such as automobiles, and area sources such as residential wood combustion and open burning of refuse in barrels). Test reports from various State agencies, trade associations, EPA program offices, and EPA regulatory dockets were consolidated and assimilated into the database. Most of the emission data in Version 3.0 of the database concern releases to air because few data are currently available on releases to other media. 

In a separate report (Volume 1, Sources of Dioxin-Like Compounds in the United States) (U.S. EPA, 2000), EPA has used the database to develop a national inventory of annual releases from a variety of sources for two reference years: 1987 and 1995. This appears as a Table in the database.  The year 1987 was selected because it represents a time period just prior to widespread recognition of CDD/CDF sources and widespread installation of controls to limit CDD/CDF emissions. The year 1995 was selected as the latest year for which reliable activity level data were available for many source categories and also a year which reflected the impact of numerous regulatory and non regulatory efforts to reduce formation and release of dioxin-like compounds.

The structure of the database and the flow of information into and out of the database are described in a User's Manual (PDF file: 419 KB). The National Database was created using Microsoft Excel 97© (hereafter, Excel©) in the manner of linked “workbooks.” However, an operational shell has been added to improve the navigation and selection of data. Neither the operational shell, nor Excel© are required to view the individual Excel© spreadsheets. Users may download the MS Excel© Viewer from the Microsoft web site. However, certain calculations and manipulations of data performed in Excel© may be lost if the database is converted to another software; therefore, any recalculations for the data in the National Database should be performed using Excel©. The search capabilities will be lost when using other applications. The Excel© workbooks should be compatible with the Macintosh© version of Excel©.

For a more thorough description of instructions please consult the readme file distributed with the software.

The National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA's Office of Research and Development was responsible for the preparation of the Database of Sources of Environmental Releases of Dioxin-Like Compounds in the United States: Reference Years 1987 and 1995 (EPA/600/C-01012), March, 2001. This database has been scientifically peer reviewed in accordance with EPA policy. For quality assurance purposes, the database has been audited for accuracy and completeness. The EPA is committed to periodically updating the Dioxin Source Database.  The next update will be for reference year 2000, and when completed will be made available on this site.

David H. Cleverly, Environmental Scientist, served as the EPA Project Manager providing overall direction and coordination of the production effort as well as technical assistance and guidance.

For further information, please contact David Cleverly by email at: cleverly.david@epa.gov