Abstract  This document provides a preliminary public summary of available information collected by EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) on the manufacturing (including importing), processing, distribution in commerce, use, and disposal of this chemical. This is based on existing data available to EPA, including information collected under the Chemical Data Reporting rule, Toxics Release Inventory (if available), information from other Agency databases, other U.S. Government agencies, publicly available information from states, and a review of published literature. In addition, the document includes information reported to EPA by producers and users of the chemical in the United States and in other countries. This preliminary use information and any additional use information received in the docket by March 15, 2017 will inform efforts to develop the scope of the chemical risk evaluation required under section 6(b)(4) of the Toxic Substances Control Act, and will inform any risk management efforts following risk evaluation. Mention of trade names in this document does not constitute endorsement by EPA. To verify products or articles containing this chemical currently in commerce, EPA has identified several examples. Any lists are provided for informational purposes only. EPA and its employees do not endorse any of the products or companies. This document does not contain confidential business information (CBI).

Abstract  1,4-dioxane is a solvent used in laboratories and in adhesive products used in celluloid film processing. It's also found as a by-product in some surfactants and emulsifiers used in consumer products: detergents, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. The National Industrial Chemical Notification and Assessments Scheme (NICNAS) assessed 1,4-dioxane in May 1994. Following are the main findings of the assessment. A workplace product containing more than 0.1% 1,4-dioxane is classed as a hazardous substance. 1,4-dioxane is in Class 3, (Packing Group II) under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. 1,4-dioxane is highly flammable and may react with light and air to form explosive substances. It is a scheduled poison with limits set for the levels in consumer products. 1,4-dioxane poisoning can occur through the skin, swallowing or by inhalation. Of these, breathing 1,4-dioxane vapour is the most likely way for poisoning to occur. High exposure can result in liver and kidney damage and death. 1,4-dioxane is an eye and respiratory irritant. 1,4-dioxane causes cancer in animals after prolonged exposure.