The Dangers of 1, 4- Dioxane and Why It Shouldn’t Be in Your Household Products
1,4 dioxane is a dangerous chemical found in various household products. Exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage, cancer, and even death. The worst part is, you may be using it without knowing it.
What is 1, 4 Dioxane?
1,4 Dioxane is a clear liquid often used as a solvent in household products. Its high solubility in water makes it a helpful ingredient for manufacturers. However, it is a known carcinogen and contaminant.
The chemical can be found in various products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, detergents, and foods. However, it is rarely intentionally added and may not appear on ingredient lists. Instead, it is likely to be found in products that contain:
PEG
-eth
-oxynol
Polyethylene
Polyethylene glycol
Polyoxyethylene
Many products contain trace amounts of 1, 4 Dioxane, not enough to be harmful. However, some products contain the chemical at levels that exceed FDA recommendations. These products can endanger health.
Using products with 1, 4 Dioxane can harm health when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. The chemical can also endanger the environment. It can contaminate the air we breathe and our drinking water.
What are the Dangers of 1, 4 Dioxane?
1,4 Dioxane is not harmful in limited doses. However, it can impact health with short-term exposure at high levels and long-term exposure. It can cause the following health complications:
Irritation: The chemical can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs when inhaled. It can also irritate skin when applied topically.
Liver and Kidney Damage: 1,4 Dioxane may disrupt cell function within the liver and kidneys and damage cell membranes.
Cancer: Laboratory rats who breathed 1,4 Dioxane vapors or drank contaminated water most of their lives developed cancer in the nose, abdomen, and liver. Scientists are unsure of the extent to which it can impact humans. However, the chemical has been labeled as a potential carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the EPA.
How Can I Prevent 1, 4 Dioxane Exposure?
Households can prevent Dioxane exposure by:
Avoiding products containing 1,4 Dioxane: Avoid purchasing products with ingredients that may unintentionally add 1,4 Dioxane. Some products are labeled ‘Dioxane-free,’ ensuring optimal health.
Drinking Bottled and Filtered Water: Bottled water is less likely to contain 1,4 Dioxane. You may also install a reverse osmosis filter in your household, reducing the chemical’s presence in your drinking water.
Protecting Yourself at Work: if you work in an environment that may expose you to 1,4 Dioxane, consider wearing a protective mask and gloves.
Considering 1,4 Dioxane Testing: 1,4 Dioxane testing can test levels of Dioxane in the body. Testing must be conducted quickly as the chemical will leave the body rapidly. There is nothing you can do to counteract the effects of 1,4 Dioxane. However, you can discuss monitoring measures with your doctor to ensure early detection.
1,4 Dioxane is a chemical that causes serious health consequences. Preventative measures can limit exposure, keeping you and your loved ones safe. Good luck keeping it out of your home and environment.
