1,4-Dioxane: A Toxic Compound in Household and Personal Care Products

Introduction

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the use of toxic chemicals in household and personal care products. One such chemical is 1,4-dioxane, which is commonly found in a wide range of consumer products, including cleaning agents, detergents, shampoos, and soaps. Despite its widespread use, 1,4-dioxane is a potent carcinogen that poses a significant risk to human health. In this article, we will explore what 1,4-dioxane is, its health effects, how it gets into our products, and what steps we can take to reduce our exposure.

What is 1,4-dioxane?

1,4-dioxane is a clear liquid that is highly soluble in water. It is a cyclic ether with a molecular formula of C₄H₈O₂. 1,4-dioxane is primarily used as a solvent and as a stabilizer for chlorinated solvents. It is also used in the production of certain plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Health Effects of 1,4-dioxane

1,4-dioxane is classified as a Group 2A carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning that it is likely to cause cancer in humans. Exposure to 1,4-dioxane has been linked to an increased risk of liver and kidney cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Additionally, 1,4-dioxane can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.

How does 1,4-dioxane get into products?

1,4-dioxane is not intentionally added to products, but rather it is a byproduct of certain manufacturing processes. It can be formed when certain chemicals, such as ethylene oxide, are used to produce other chemicals, including surfactants and emulsifiers. Because 1,4-dioxane is a byproduct, it is not listed on product labels, making it difficult for consumers to avoid.

Products containing 1,4-dioxane

1,4-dioxane is commonly found in a wide range of household and personal care products, including shampoos, body washes, lotions, and laundry detergents. It is also found in certain cleaning products, such as dishwashing detergents and all-purpose cleaners. The FDA has released a list of over 60 cosmetic products that have been found to contain detectable levels of 1,4-dioxane.

How to reduce exposure to 1,4-dioxane

Reducing exposure to 1,4-dioxane can be challenging since it is not listed on product labels. However, there are some steps that consumers can take to reduce their exposure. One option is to choose products that are labeled as "1,4-dioxane-free." Additionally, consumers can choose products that do not contain certain chemicals that are known to produce 1,4-dioxane, such as sodium laureth sulfate and polyethylene glycol.

Regulatory action on 1,4-dioxane (continued)

1,4-dioxane in personal care products. In 2019, California passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, which prohibits the sale of cosmetic products containing more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of 1,4-dioxane. Additionally, in 2020, New York State passed the Personal Care Products Safety Act, which requires manufacturers to disclose the use of certain chemicals, including 1,4-dioxane, and allows the state to ban the use of chemicals that are found to be unsafe.

Conclusion

1,4-dioxane is a potent carcinogen that is commonly found in household and personal care products. While it is difficult to completely avoid exposure, consumers can take steps to reduce their risk, such as choosing products labeled as "1,4-dioxane-free" and avoiding products that contain certain chemicals that are known to produce 1,4-dioxane. Additionally, regulatory action is being taken in some states to limit the amount of 1,4-dioxane in personal care products. By raising awareness about the risks of 1,4-dioxane and taking steps to reduce exposure, we can help protect our health and the environment.