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Does Your Grocery List Include 1,4-Dioxane?

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A recently released study commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) analyzed leading brands of 100 natural and organic shampoos, body washes, lotions and other personal bodycare products for the presence of 1,4-dioxane, a toxic chemical byproduct known to be a carcinogenic contaminant. It discovered some shocking results. Almost half the products had discernable amounts of this harmful substance.

365 Everyday Value Shower Gel

Surprisingly, one of the highest concentrations of 1,4-dioxane was found in 365 Everyday Value Shower Gel (right photo), which is the Whole Foods Market private label. One of the best companies across the board on all its tested products was the natural Dr Bronner’s range.

Consumer watchdogs are also homing in on products which include 1, 4-dioxane, a known petrochemical carcinogen. As well as being found in body and hair care products it is also present in cleaning formulas and laundry detergents. It is particularly insidious as it currently does not have to be listed on product labels as it is a byproduct. Consequently even the most street-wise consumer may be unaware of its presence in household products, making wise healthy choices almost impossible.

When cleaning products or detergents are processed using ethoxylation to lessen the severity of harsher ingredients, 1,4-dioxane is created as a byproduct of the ethylene oxide reacting with the other ingredients.

One study on laundry detergents was carried out by David Steinman from the Green Patriot Working Group and the results were published by the Organic Consumers Association. The results make fascinating reading. Proctor and Gamble products were particularly high in this contaminant, with Tide having 55 ppm (parts per million) compared with Gain (21ppm), Arm and Hammer (5ppm) and Wisk (3.9ppm). Sun Burst and Dreft powdered detergent had no discernible traces of 1,4-dioxane despite not promoting themselves as a “natural” brand.

Disappointingly, some of the products which marketed themselves as natural, and no doubt charged more for that status, did have quantities of 1,4-dioxane including Planet Ultra Liquid with 6.1ppm and Mrs. Meyers laundry detergent with 1.5ppm. The green “goodies” were Clorox Green Works, Ecos, Life Tree, Method Squeaky Green and Seventh Generation Free and Clear which all had no trace.

The 1,4-dioxane found in laundry detergent has been found to be particularly harmful for our health as the chemical binds easily with water and remains in the fabric. In tests, even after water containing the chemical was purified and filtered, low levels persistently remained, indicating it is not easy to remove from our water supply either.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which was established to reduce pollution and protect the environment currently does not test for 1,4-dioxane but as it is a known carcinogen it is important to avoid contact with it as much as possible. Perhaps just changing our grocery list is the best way to protect ourselves and our families from this known carcinogen. More information can be found at the website of the OCA, including lists of products which are 1,4-dioxane free and which products to avoid. By boycotting harmful products, manufacturers may be persuaded to find other ways to bring safer, effective products into our homes without the hidden dangers of cancer-causing chemicals.