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1,4-Dioxane, Cancer-Causing Contaminant, in Tide Detergent Sparks Controversy

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:53:16 EST

A dangerous chemical solvent, 1,4-dioxane, was discovered in the best-selling laundry detergent Tide after the environmental group, Women's Voices for the Earth, tested the product. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) views 1,4-dioxane as a probable human carcinogen.
 
The consumer advocates claim that the levels of 1,4-dioxane in Tide Original Scent and Tide Free & Gentle are 'problematic.' However, Procter & Gamble maintains that the levels fall within safety guidelines, and therefore the detergents do not warrant warning labels.
 
If a product contains more than 100 parts per million of 1,4-dioxane, the EPA requires that a warning label be placed on the item. Women's Voices for the Earth found 89 parts per million of 1,4-dioxane in Tide Free & Gentle, 63 parts per million in Tide Original Scent, and less than 1 part per million in the Bounce Free & Sensitive Dryer Sheets.
 
The federal government has not published a definite limit on how much 1,4-dioxane should be in a product and has therefore listed the chemical as one whose health effects need further study. Consumer advocates say that it should be excluded from products entirely until more is known.
 
'EMSL Analytical's Industrial Hygiene (IH) laboratory provides testing for 1,4-dioxane, among other chemicals,' states Scott Van Etten, CIH, National Director of Industrial Hygiene at EMSL. 'If needed, we can perform customized testing services for our clients as well.'