EPA Completes Risk Evaluation for Key Industrial Solvent

The EPA has determined that the solvent 1,4-dioxane poses significant health risks and plans to implement measures managing these risks.

• By Robert Yaniz Jr.
• Dec 11, 2024

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized its risk evaluation for 1,4-dioxane, a solvent used in commercial and industrial processes. The agency determined it poses "an unreasonable risk of injury to human health." Its findings highlight risks to workers, consumers and communities near industrial sites from exposure through water and air.

According to a recent release, 1,4-dioxane is found in some adhesives, sealants, detergents, and cleaning products and is also generated as a byproduct during chemical manufacturing. Its presence in consumer products often leads to surface and drinking water contamination through industrial discharges or disposal processes. The EPA emphasized that inhaling or ingesting the chemical can increase the risk of cancer and damage to the liver and nasal tissue.

The risk assessment reviewed 26 conditions of use, determining 22 of these pose significant dangers through inhalation and skin contact among workers handling the chemical. The general population, including vulnerable communities near industrial discharge sites is also at risk. These populations may face additional exposure through contaminated drinking water or proximity to facilities emitting the chemical into the air.

The EPA plans to propose regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to mitigate the identified risks. The agency is also coordinating with its Office of Water to explore additional protections under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This collaboration will assess regulatory measures to address the contamination of drinking water supplies and ensure comprehensive risk management for 1,4-dioxane.

Overall, the EPA found that 1,4-dioxane does not pose an unreasonable risk to the environment. For more details, the final supplement to the risk evaluation is available on the EPA website.