Question

Dioxin (C12H4Cl4O2) has been identified as "the most toxic synthetic chemical known to man". Dioxin was a contaminant at Love Canal and was the contaminant of concern in agent orange (Vietnam). Municipal waste incinerators also emit dioxin. Currently, the EPA calculates that in order to keep your chances of getting cancer caused by dioxin below 1 in 1 million, you should have a daily intake of dioxin no greater than .006picograms per kg body weight. What is the maximum number of dioxin molecules you can ingest in one day without exceeding this limit?

Answer 1

So, maximum limit is 0.06 piogram/kg body weight per day.

Covert picogram to gram,

Molecular weight of dioxin (C₁₂H₄Cl₄O₂) = 321.97 g/mol

Now, According to Avogradro's number

Thus,

Number of molecules of dioxin

So, maximum number moles of dioxins = 112009200 molecules that can be ingested in a day