Public unveils additional hazard assessment for chemical compound 1,4-Dioxane, inviting public opinion on the matter.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently revising its risk evaluation for the chemical 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct found in various consumer products such as soaps, detergents, and surface cleaners. The supplemental analysis, which also assesses exposure to the general population from 1,4-dioxane in surface water, was released on November 19, 2020.
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA is required to evaluate the risks associated with exposure to existing chemicals using the best available science. This includes the risk evaluation for 1,4-dioxane, one of the first ten chemicals to undergo such evaluation under TSCA.
The EPA has preliminarily found no unreasonable risks to consumers from the eight conditions of use assessed in the supplemental analysis. However, the agency is accepting public comments on the supplemental analysis for a period of 20 days. The comments will be used to inform the final risk evaluation.
Despite the ongoing public comment period, there is no current direct notice about a new public comment period specifically open for the supplemental analysis of 1,4-dioxane’s eight consumer uses and exposure pathways. The EPA is, however, in the process of revising and reconsidering the 1,4-dioxane risk evaluation due to litigation and ongoing review efforts.
If you wish to participate or provide input on the supplemental analysis, it would be prudent to monitor the EPA’s official TSCA docket and Federal Register notices for announcements of public comment periods or hearings as the agency completes its reassessment.
It's important to note that the supplemental analysis to the draft risk evaluation for 1,4-dioxane is not a final agency action and represents the EPA's current review of the scientific information on this chemical. The final risk evaluation will be informed by the public comments and the ongoing revisions.
The TSCA is the primary chemical management law in the U.S., and the EPA's risk evaluation process involves evaluating the risks associated with exposure to 1,4-Dioxane in various consumer uses and environmental pathways. The supporting documents for the supplemental analysis to the draft risk evaluation for 1,4-Dioxane are also available to view.
In conclusion, while the public comment period for the supplemental analysis of 1,4-dioxane is currently pending, the EPA is actively working on revising its risk evaluation for this chemical due to ongoing litigation and review efforts. Stay informed and participate in the process by monitoring the EPA's official TSCA docket and Federal Register notices.
- The supplemental analysis, which assesses exposure to the general population from 1,4-dioxane in surface water, falls under the umbrella of environmental science.
- While exercise and fitness are often focused on physical activity and nutrition, it's important to consider the potential health-and-wellness implications of exposure to chemicals like 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct found in various consumer products.
- The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires the EPA to evaluate the risks associated with exposure to existing chemicals like 1,4-dioxane using the best available science, in line with the broader field of scientific study.
- Water, whether it's used for drinking, cleaning, or recreational purposes, can serve as a medium for chemicals like 1,4-dioxane to enter into the environment, underscoring the intersection of public health, fitness, nutrition, and environmental-science concerns.
