New York Prohibits 1,4-Dioxane from Household and Personal Products

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Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into a law a bill that would amend the Environmental Conservation Law to prohibit the sale of household cleaning products containing 1,4-dioxane, limit the sale of cosmetic products and personal care products with levels of 1,4-dioxane, and allow civil penalties for violations. The law also provides for a biennial review of concentrations in household products to determine proper thresholds and whether minimum requirements should be lowered. According to the New York State Senate Summary of Provisions, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies 1,4-dioxane as a likely carcinogen to humans. The chemical is found in many consumer products and is washed down the drain, ending up in municipal water. According to New York, Long Island has the highest levels detected in the country. The law allows time for the companies to remove 1,4-dioxane from their products. New York is the first state to take this type of measure, although Oregon and California have taken some action already.

Related Practices:   Environmental and Land Use

Related Attorney:   Frances B. Stella