Literature data show that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is extremely persistent when applied to soil in waste oil. One method of soil decontamination involves adding organic solvents to the soil and then allowing time for diffusion to the surface where TCDD can be decomposed by sunlight. Before such a method becomes feasible, it was determined that a study of the reasons the persistence of the chemical when applied in waste oil would be useful. Therefore an estimate of possible photodegradation of TCDD in oil was made, and it was concluded that the probable high UV absorbance of the waste oil in which the TCDD was applied was a very likely reason for the lack of observed photodegradation.