Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in Bath and Shampoo Products

The chemical 1,4-dioxane found in cosmetic bath products such as shower gels, perfumes and soaps is a probable human carcinogen.

The toxic chemical 1,4-dioxane is used in a number of bath products including most shower gels, body washes, shampoos and even hand soaps. It has been linked to liver and breast cancer.

Although it is identified as a carcinogen, companies that manufacture these types of products are not required to list it on their product labels.

Currently, two US senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, are calling on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

1,4-dioxane is commonly used in some bath and shampoo products.

1,4-dioxane is a clear liquid that is easily soluble in water. It is used primarily as a solvent in chemical manufacturing and as a laboratory reagent (a substance used to cause a chemical reaction).

The toxin is created through a process called ethoxylation, in which ethylene oxide — a known breast carcinogen — is added to other chemicals to make them less harsh.

The FDA encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4-dioxane, but US federal law does not require it.

Although limited, some studies have shown that laboratory mice that inhaled 1,4 dioxane throughout their lives developed cancers inside their noses and abdominal cavities.

Additionally, laboratory rats and mice that drank water containing 1,4-dioxane throughout their lives also developed liver cancer. For this reason, the US Department of Health and Human Services considers 1,4-dioxane to be a human carcinogen.

The Environmental Working Group believes there are at least 8,000 products on the U.S. market with ingredients that may contain 1,4-dioxane.

Although this chemical is not intentionally added to most bath products, it may be listed as an unintentional byproduct in some of the ingredients used.

A 2008 survey found that the chemical was present in 46% of personal care products tested.

Several companies have agreed to stop using 1,4-dioxane, including Johnson & Johnson, in 2014.

Now, New York Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are calling on the FDA to ban the chemical because they say it has no real use in cosmetics.

In fact, 1,4-dioxane, a potentially dangerous chemical found in everyday products that is expected to help clean skin, hair, etc., can be harmful to children.

According to Zing