TCDF is directly released into the environment via emissions of waste incineration, fires with PCB transformers, vehicle exhausts using leaded fuel, and bleaching of industrial products.

Monitoring programmes are established to keep track of the levels on TCDF in various environmental compartments to avoid damaging ecosystems.

[2] In thermal waste treatment processes CDFs are produced by combustion and pyrolysis of organochlorine or non-chlorinated organic compounds in the presence of chlorides.

[2] TCDF is released into the air as vapour after burning of hazardous waste, fires involving PCB mixtures, and a byproduct of bleaching pulp.

[4] Mainly the toxicity of TCDF has been recorded through testing of breast milk, adipose tissue, and blood serum.

[5] The recorded effects on animals are most commonly investigated in the house mouse as well as male guinea pigs.

[citation needed] As mentioned previously, it affects the liver as it results in a positive regulation of lipid biosynthetic processes leading to an abundance of unsaturated fatty acids.