ACI Offers Update on 1,4-Dioxane Regulation

On December 2, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) held its second virtual public meeting on 1,4-Dioxane Limits for Household Cleansing, Personal Care & Cosmetics Products.
 
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI), representing the cleaning product supply chain, offered the following statement conveying its viewpoint on DEC’s implementation of the State’s 1,4-dioxane statute:
 
As an important reminder, 1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of the manufacturing process; it is not intentionally added. Companies continue to work diligently to adjust manufacturing processes to remove trace amounts that have been found in cleaning and detergent products.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent analysis and conclusions show that regular use of surface cleaning, laundry, dishwashing and general purpose cleaning products does not post an unreasonable risk to consumers related to trace concentrations of the byproduct 1,4-dioxane.
 
The coronavirus pandemic created an extraordinary demand for cleaning products and chemistries, understandably shifting resources and expertise within companies to address the disruptions throughout our supply chain. It’s especially understandable that manufacturers small and large alike will need sufficient time to ensure compliance with the New York regulation to adjust manufacturing processes.
 
“ACI appreciates New York State DEC’s meeting today and their focus to address the scope of the law, waiver process and to receive other general comments,” said Douglas Troutman, ACI general counsel and senior vice president, Government Affairs. “As DEC’s regulatory review process continues, the American Cleaning Institute and its manufacturer members want to ensure that safe, effective and highly in-demand products remain on the shelves of New York retailers.”