1,4-Dioxane

CAS number 123-91-1

Description

1,4-Dioxane is a clear liquid that easily dissolves in water.

Uses

1,4-Dioxane is used as a solvent, and in some dyes and personal care products.

People are exposed to 1,4-Dioxane because it is often found in air, water, food, and soil.

Why it can be problematic for human and animal health

Exposure is usually by consuming contaminated water, breathing contaminated air, and using contaminated cosmetic and/or cleaning products.

1,4-Dioxane is shown in scientific literature as being associated with the following chronic health impacts:

• Liver and kidney damage has been seen in animals with this chemical in their drinking water over a long-term period
• Probable carcinogen – cancer has not been seen in exposure in an occupational setting but has been observed in animal studies with oral intake of the chemical
• Respiratory damage has also been observed with chronic exposure

Acute exposure of humans to 1,4-Dioxane can cause vertigo, drowsiness, headache, anorexia and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs in humans. It may also irritate the skin.

Please note any adverse health effects that you may encounter in exposure to a chemical depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.

For more detailed information, including on exposure levels in different contexts

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/1-4-dioxane.pdf

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/risk/docs/guidance/dwec/dioxaneinfo.pdf