What is 1,4-dioxane?

1,4-dioxane is a clear liquid that easily dissolves in water. It is used primarily as a solvent in the manufacture of chemicals and as a laboratory reagent. 1,4-Dioxane is a trace contaminant of some chemicals used in cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos. However, manufacturers now reduce 1,4-dioxane from these chemicals to low levels before these chemicals are made into products used in the home.

1,4-dioxane can be released into the air, water, and soil at places where it is produced or used as a solvent. In air, 1,4-dioxane rapidly breaks down into different compounds. In water, 1,4-dioxane is stable and does not break down. In soil, 1,4-dioxane does not stick to soil particles, so it can move from soil into groundwater. Fish and plants will not accumulate 1,4-dioxane in their tissues.

Exposure to 1,4-dioxane occurs from breathing contaminated air, ingestion of contaminated food and drinking water, and dermal contact with products such as cosmetics that may contain small amounts of 1,4-dioxane. Exposure to high levels of 1,4-dioxane in the air can result in nasal cavity, liver, and kidney damage. Ingestion or dermal contact with high levels of 1,4-dioxane can result in liver and kidney damage. 1,4-dioxane has been found on at least 31 of 1,689 National Priorities List (NPL) sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The chemical is in most of the drinking water on the East and West coast. 1,4 is on the EPA list as a cancer-causing chemical and the EPA has set maximum risk levels for what is an acceptable amount in drinking water.

1,4-dioxane cannot be remediated from drinking water easily. It needs a specialized remediation system which is extremely expensive. Municipalities need to contact Mr. Sacks who is at the spearhead of getting municipalities to sue the major companies responsible for the drinking water contamination.