Chemical Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, February 19^th, 2021

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft supplemental analysis last November to the agency’s 2019 Draft Risk Evaluation for 1,4-Dioxane. In the supplemental analysis, the agency included eight consumer uses where 1,4-dioxane is present as a byproduct, meaning when 1,4-dioxane is created from the breakdown of other chemicals. It also now assesses exposure to the general population from 1,4-dioxane in surface water.

1,4-dioxane is a synthetic industrial chemical that also goes by other names such as dioxane, dioxan, p-dioxane, diethylene dioxide, diethylene oxide, diethylene ether and glycol ethylene ether. It easily dissolves in water and is used primarily as a solvent in the manufacture of other chemicals. The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) also stated that it is a trace contaminant of some chemicals used in cosmetics, detergents and shampoos.

Exposure can harm the eyes, skin, lungs, liver and kidneys, and according to the EPA, 1,4-dioxane is a likely human carcinogen. The physical and chemical properties and behavior of 1,4-dioxane create challenges for its characterization and treatment. It is highly mobile, does not readily biodegrade in the environment and has been found in groundwater at sites throughout the United States.

“Exposure to 1,4-dioxane can cause risks as it is an industrial chemical that acts as a trace contaminant or byproduct in consumer goods, and is an environmental pollutant,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, our network of laboratories across the United States and Canada provide industrial hygiene and environmental testing for 1,4-dioxane and many other chemicals. These laboratory tests are available to regulatory agencies, manufacturers and environmental, health and safety professionals.”

To learn more about chemical testing or other occupational, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.