WASHINGTON INSIGHT

DIOXIN DEBATE: When is the status quo a victory? The question arose in connection with efforts by the paper and chlorine industries to convince the Environmental Protection Agency that the chemical dioxin is less dangerous than believed. . . . Long considered one of the most potent carcinogens known to man, dioxin is a chemical byproduct of paper production, chlorine bleaching, incineration and other industrial processes. The EPA, having taken a new look at dioxin, is due to draft a risk-assessment report this week. . . . Sources say that despite industry pressures, the report is likely to find dioxin as deadly as its reputation--and the agency is expected to recommend restrictions as tough as the old ones.