Abstract: Dioxins, a collective term for a series of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon compounds with high toxicity, are one of the most toxic pollutants known in the world. They, greatly harmful to the human body and natural environment could be generated in many fields, such as nonferrous metallurgy industry and waste incineration, especially the latter one. Therefore, it is particularly important to effectively inhibit their generation. This paper reviewed their formation mechanism at different stages in these areas, analyzed the necessary conditions for their formation, and summarized the methods of reducing their formation, such as pretreatment and intensified combustion processes, as well as activated carbon adsorption and catalytic decomposition. These prevention and control means could effectively reduce their emission. Thus, how to control their emissions, recycle them to achieve environmental conservation and resource recycling would be the focus for further studies.