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Assessing and Managing Chemicals under TSCA

Risk Management for 1,4-Dioxane

Below is information on EPA actions to manage risks from 1,4-dioxane. 1,4-dioxane is used primarily as a solvent in a variety of commercial and industrial applications such as in the manufacture of other chemicals, as a processing aid, a laboratory chemical, and in adhesives and sealants. 1,4-Dioxane may also be found as a contaminant in consumer products such as soaps and detergents.

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Managing Risks Found in the 2020 Final Risk Evaluation

EPA completed the final risk evaluation for 1,4-dioxane under amended TSCA in December 2020. The final risk evaluation for 1,4-dioxane determined that there are unreasonable risks to workers and occupational non-users from 13 conditions of use. EPA found no unreasonable risks to the environment, consumers, bystanders, or the general population. 

The next step in the process required by TSCA is addressing these risks. There are several actions EPA could take to address these risks, including regulations to prohibit or limit the manufacture, processing, distribution in the marketplace, use, or disposal of this chemical substance, or other options provided under TSCA as applicable. EPA is now in the process of developing ways to address the unreasonable risks identified and has up to one year to propose and take public comments on any risk management actions.

Opportunities for Public and Stakeholder Engagement

On February 2, 2021, EPA is holding a webinar on the TSCA risk management process and the findings in the final risk evaluation for 1,4-dioxane. Register for the webinar. Exit

There will be additional opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement as EPA pursues the risk management process for this chemical. Similar to the risk evaluation process, there will also be opportunities for public comment as EPA works to propose and finalize risk management actions for the conditions of use where 1,4-dioxane presents an unreasonable risk.