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. Backyard burning of waste materials creates higher levels of dioxins than industrial incinerators and 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
• Burn Wise Program (Tips, Wood Stove Tags, and other related information)