![]() You can read more on dangers of chemicals in the cleaning products on our blogs.ĭue to health concerns linked to the chemical, the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4-dioxane, but there are no national laws or requirements. The EWG found that 97% of hair relaxers, 57% of baby soaps and 22 percent of all products in Skin Deep, their database for cosmetic products, are contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. Since it’s not an intentionally-added ingredient, you won’t see it listed on any label, but research has found the chemical in ethoxylated raw ingredients and in off-the-shelf cosmetic products. An example of ethoxylation is the reaction of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) to sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).ġ,4-dioxane is a very common contaminant in personal care products. The substance is created through a process called ethoxylation, in which ethylene oxide (a known human carcinogen) is added to other chemicals to make them less harsh. It is an impurity in all ethoxylated substances, which are used in numerous industries such as personal care products and cleaning, dishwashing and laundry detergents. 1,4-DIOXANE IN PERSONAL CARE AND CLEANING PRODUCTSĪs a trace contaminant, 1,4-dioxane can be found in an abundance of household products. However, no national laws have been put into effect. Several US states have introduced legal limits, and Canada has opened a public consultation, seeking comments on its draft assessment of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water that includes a proposed maximum acceptable concentration for the chemical in water. There are no national drinking water standards regarding 1,4-dioxane contamination in the US or in Canada. That means that every day, more than 8 million people in the US are using tap water that is contaminated with levels of 1,4-dioxane, which increase the risk of cancer. In fact, according to Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Tap Water Database traces have been found in almost 2,000 water utilities throughout the United States of America, 286 of which exceed EWG’s Health Guideline of 0.35 ppb (part per billion). Through release of the chemical into the environment during manufacturing or use of products containing 1,4-dioxane, traces of this chemical has been found in the groundwater and tap water at many sides throughout North America. It is readily absorbed by the body through the lungs and gastrointestinal tract as well as pass through the skin. But 1,4-dioxane is also found as a trace contaminant in common household products.Įxposure to 1,4-dioxane may therefore occur through ingestion of contaminated food and water, and inhalation and/or dermal contact during the use of consumer products containing this substance. The substance is primarily used as a solvent in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and natural health products, stabilizer for chlorinated solvents and for laboratory use. It is considered persistent in the environment, but does not bioaccumulate. ![]() ![]() When air-born, the chemical breaks down quickly, but in water it is stable and remains mostly intact. ![]() When released, it evaporates quickly in soil, it moves easily to groundwater. In December 2019, 1,4-dioxane made headlines - the state of New York was the first US state to set limits on chemicals in household products.īut what is 1,4-dioxane, and why should the exposure be limited?ġ,4-dioxane is a clear liquid that mixes very well with water. ![]()
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