The state of New York recently revised the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) to establish limits on 1,4-dioxane concentration in household cleansing products, personal care items and cosmetics.
It may come as a surprise to some, but 1,4-dioxane is present in various common laundry detergents. Recent tests confirm that Arm & Hammer Clean Burst, Tide Original, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear and Gain Original + Aroma Boost all contain over 3 PPM of the byproduct—which exceeds New York state's official limits.
In the spring of 2022, a study commissioned by Ingredients Matter found 1,4-dioxane in almost all laundry detergents it tested - from conventional brands such as Tide to plant-based ones like Mrs. Meyers. Here are some of the key findings:
Arm & Hammer, Tide, and Gain contained more than 3 PPM 1,4-dioxane.
Tide's gentler offerings (Tide Free & Gentle and Tide Pur Clean) along with Mrs. Meyers, All, and Method products tested between .18 - .4 PPM which meets New York State guidelines; however they still contained small traces of 1,4-dioxane.
1,4-dioxane was not detected in the Seventh Generation Free & Clear although the product contains ethoxylated ingredients.
What is 1,4-Dioxane?
The Environmental Protection Agency has declared 1,4-dioxane a likely human carcinogen due to its synthetic chemical byproduct created through the process of ethoxylation. As a result, New York is taking proactive steps to protect consumers from unnecessary exposure and is now prohibiting cleaning products with excessive amounts of this hazardous element.
In an effort to rid New York's water supply of 1,4-dioxane--found in groundwater and drinking water near industrial sites--the state recently enacted a law setting the threshold for household cleaners at 2 parts per million (PPM). This number will be reduced even further to 1 PPM by 2023. New Yorkers can ensure they are using safe detergents by looking out for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's logo on product packaging.
By banning laundry detergents containing 1,4-dioxane, New York is leading the way in protecting its citizens from potential health risks. We should all be thankful that New York is taking a stand to keep us safe and be mindful of the products we use in our homes.
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