New, highly specific and sensitive analytical methodology has been applied to the determination of chlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins in particulate matter. The results show that the dioxins are present in particles from many types of combustion sources and in dust and soil in the vicinity of combustion sources. The data indicate that chlorinated dioxins may occur in particulate matter from the combustion of most types of organic material, and suggest the hypothesis that chlorinated dioxins result from trace chemical reactions occurring in fire.