1,4-dioxane

Definition

1,4-dioxane is a cyclic ether compound with the chemical formula (CH2CH2)2O. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that is commonly used as a solvent and stabilizer in various industrial and commercial applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1,4-dioxane is a common impurity found in many personal care and household products, such as shampoos, soaps, and detergents.
2. Exposure to 1,4-dioxane can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, and it has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA.
3. The physical properties of 1,4-dioxane, such as its low boiling point and high solubility in water, contribute to its widespread environmental presence and potential for contamination.
4. 1,4-dioxane is resistant to biodegradation and can persist in the environment, leading to concerns about its potential for groundwater and drinking water contamination.
5. Regulatory agencies have established guidelines and limits for the presence of 1,4-dioxane in various products and environmental media to minimize human and ecological exposure.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of 1,4-dioxane as a solvent and stabilizer in industrial and commercial applications.
  • 1,4-dioxane is commonly used as a solvent and stabilizer in a variety of industrial and commercial products. As a solvent, it has the ability to dissolve and disperse other substances, making it useful in formulations such as paints, varnishes, and adhesives. Additionally, 1,4-dioxane can act as a stabilizer, preventing or slowing down the decomposition or undesirable changes in these products, thereby extending their shelf life and performance.
• Discuss the environmental and health concerns associated with the presence of 1,4-dioxane in consumer products and the environment.
  • 1,4-dioxane has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, and exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Its physical properties, such as low boiling point and high water solubility, contribute to its widespread environmental presence and potential for contamination of groundwater and drinking water sources. Furthermore, 1,4-dioxane is resistant to biodegradation, leading to its persistence in the environment and increasing the risk of long-term exposure for both humans and ecosystems.
• Evaluate the regulatory measures and guidelines in place to address the presence of 1,4-dioxane in consumer products and the environment.
  • Regulatory agencies have established guidelines and limits for the presence of 1,4-dioxane in various products and environmental media to minimize human and ecological exposure. These measures aim to ensure that the levels of 1,4-dioxane in consumer goods, such as personal care products, and in environmental samples, like groundwater and drinking water, do not exceed the established thresholds. The implementation and enforcement of these regulations are crucial in protecting public health and the environment from the potential adverse effects associated with 1,4-dioxane contamination.

Related terms

Cyclic Ether:

A class of organic compounds containing a ring structure with an oxygen atom as part of the ring.

Solvent:

A liquid substance capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances.

Stabilizer: A substance added to another to prevent or slow down undesirable changes or decomposition.