Home :: What is 1,4-Dioxane?
What is 1,4-Dioxane?
1,4-Dioxane, or Diethylene Oxide, is a clear, petroleum-derived compound.
Where is it found?
1, 4-Dioxane is used as a solvent, fumigant, and foaming agent (for personal care products like shampoos, toothpastes, and deodorants). The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) conducted testing in 2007-2008 for the presence of 1,4-Dioxane in several leading "natural" and "organic" personal care products. The alarming results of this study documented high levels of 1,4-Dioxane in many products, including Healthy Times' Baby's Herbal Garden Honeysuckle Baby Bath and Garden Pansy Flower Shampoo, Nature's Gate Baby Soothing Shampoo, and as Rainbow Soap for Kids (a previously popular vegan shampoo for kids).
Note that 1,4-Dioxane is not added as an ingredient in these products, but rather is produced as a byproduct of ethoxylation--the process in which the harsh, cancer-causing petrochemical Ethylene Oxide is added to fatty acid ingredients to make them more water-soluble.
Why should I be concerned?
1,4-Dioxane is well-known to be an irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract. It is also believed to be a human carcinogen.
Where can I learn more?
For more information, please see the OCA's Coming Clean Campaign, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Press Release "CANCER-CAUSING CHEMICAL FOUND IN CHILDREN'S BATH PRODUCTS", the CHEC chemical profile for 1,4-Dioxane, and EWG Article "Research Shows 22 Percent of All Cosmetics May Be Contaminated With Cancer-Causing Impurity".
