Common Household Chemical Linked to Liver Damage, Cancer Risk
Washington D.C. – November 9, 2025 - Beyond the well-documented risks of alcohol, a ubiquitous chemical found in many household cleaning products and personal care items is now under scrutiny for its potential to cause meaningful liver damage and even cancer, according to a growing body of research presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases this week. The chemical,1,4-dioxane,is a likely human carcinogen and poses a threat even at low levels of exposure.
While frequently enough not listed as an ingredient on product labels – as it’s typically a byproduct of manufacturing processes – 1,4-dioxane is commonly found in detergents,shampoos,body washes,and cosmetics. the Environmental Protection agency (EPA) classifies it as a probable human carcinogen, based on studies showing increased tumor incidence in animals. Prolonged exposure can led to liver and kidney damage, and recent studies suggest a link to increased risk of nasal and liver cancers. Millions of Americans are potentially exposed daily through routine use of these products, raising concerns about long-term health consequences.
The chemical’s persistence in the surroundings and its ability to easily contaminate groundwater further complicates the issue. Unlike many other pollutants, 1,4-dioxane doesn’t readily break down in nature, meaning it can accumulate in drinking water supplies. Several states,including California and New York,are already grappling wiht widespread 1,4-dioxane contamination in their water systems,prompting calls for stricter regulations and increased monitoring.
“The challenge is that 1,4-dioxane isn’t intentionally added to these products, it’s created during the manufacturing of certain ingredients,” explains Dr. Emily Carter, a toxicologist at the National Institutes of Health. “This makes it difficult to eliminate entirely, but manufacturers can take steps to reduce its presence.”
Consumer advocacy groups are urging manufacturers to adopt alternative manufacturing processes and increase clarity regarding 1,4-dioxane levels in their products. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released a database of products containing the chemical, allowing consumers to make informed choices. The EPA is currently reviewing its risk assessment for 1,4-dioxane and is expected to propose new regulations in 2026. Until then, experts recommend checking product labels for ingredients like polyethylene glycol (PEG), which are often associated with 1,4-dioxane contamination, and opting for products certified by autonomous organizations that screen for harmful chemicals.