Dioxane or 1,4-Dioxane

Updated: February 13th, 2010 |

HEALTH CONCERNS
Is this chemical a carcinogen?	The limited number of studies available does not show whether 1,4-dioxane causes cancer in humans. However, laboratory rats and mice that drank water containing 1,4-dioxane during most of their lives developed liver cancer; the rats also developed cancer inside the nose. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers 1,4-dioxane as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
How can it affect me?	Few studies are available that provide information about the effects of 1,4-dioxane in humans. Eye and nose irritation was reported by people inhaling low levels of 1,4-dioxane vapors for short periods (minutes to hours). Possible exposure to 1,4-dioxane can occur by breathing air, drinking water, or eating foods that contain 1,4-dioxane. During showering, bathing, or laundering, 1,4-dioxane in tap water may volatilize and you can be exposed to 1,4-dioxane vapors. Your skin may contact 1,4-dioxane when you use cosmetics, detergents, bubble baths, and shampoos contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. Exposure to very high levels of 1,4-dioxane can result in liver and kidney damage and death, although there is no data on normal exposure levels in humans. There are no studies of children exposed to 1,4-dioxane. However, children might experience health problems similar to those in adults if they were exposed to high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane. Scientists do not know whether exposure of pregnant women to 1,4-dioxane can harm the unborn child. Not enough animal studies are available that can help predict what might happen in people. 1,4-Dioxane does not build up in the body, but a nursing mother exposed to a high amount of 1,4-dioxane might pass it to the infant in breast milk. According to the FDA , the 1,4-dioxane levels we have seen in our monitoring of cosmetics do not present a hazard to consumers.  However, the FDA goes on to say that they have not established or recommended a specific limit on the level of 1,4-dioxane in cosmetics. They have provided guidance to manufacturers alerting them to the health concerns and how to minimize 1,4-dioxane.  With that said, it is still important to remember that the cosmetic industry is self-regulated.
Are there controversial issues?	Scientists are debating the degree to which the findings in studies using rats and mice apply to exposure situations commonly encountered by people. Scientists do not know whether 1,4-dioxane affects reproduction or the ability to fight infections in people or animals.