Cleaner Living: Toxin #9- 1,4 Dioxane

Jan 25, 2012 by Dena

1,4 Dioxane is a carcinogenic compound that is used in dry cleaning solvents, lacquers and automotive coolant.  It is listed on the State of California’s list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects. The California Environmental Protection Agency also lists 1,4-dioxane as a suspected kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant.  It is banned for use in cosmetics in Canada and the EU.

It is not listed as an ingredient in any products on EWG’s Skin Deep database.

So why is this a toxin we should know about? Because it may not be on the label, but it CAN be found in the product. 1,4 Dioxane is known to be an impurity (contaminant) in a long list of other common ingredients found in our most favorite soaps, shampoos, and BABY PRODUCTS!  But because it is a contaminant and not an intentional ingredient, the FDA does not require it to be listed on the label or even warned about. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics  Read more...