January 31, 2023
As of December 31, 2022, New York state has implemented a ban on four popular laundry detergents. The NYS Department of Conservation has established a limit on the amount of a certain chemical called 1,4-Dioxane, which is believed to be a carcinogen.
The banned detergents are Tide Original, Arm & Hammer Clean Burst, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear and Gain Original + Aroma Boost.
“DEC prioritizes the health and well-being of New Yorkers and our environment, and the implementation of new laws for chemicals in everyday household products is part of our state’s ongoing commitment to protect communities,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “With the start of the new year, these stringent requirements will build upon our nation-leading efforts to prevent exposure to emerging contaminants.”
The chemical 1,4-Dioxane an unintended byproduct that is
created during the manufacturing process of certain household products such as
laundry detergents. The chemical containment has also been found in groundwater
and poses a risk to the environment.
The new regulation states that the maximum allowable concentration of 1,4-Dioxane is 2 parts per million (PPM) for household cleaning and personal care products and 10 ppm for cosmetics. On December 31, 2023, the legal allowable limit will change again, allowing a limit of 1 ppm of 1,4-Dioxane in household cleaning and personal care products.
Manufacturers are allowed to apply for a one-year compliance waiver, up to two times, with the submission of proof that the manufacturer is attempting to take steps to reduce the harmful chemical. More information is available on the New York state DEC website, including a list of approved waivers. The list of waivers is updated monthly and currently has over 1100 products listed on it. The banned detergents are not however on the list. Despite the ban, these four detergents remain on store shelves at the time of this article.
Unfortunately, the FDA does not require 1,4-Dioxane to be listed on labels, as it is a byproduct resulting from the manufacturing process. Even so called “natural” products have this harmful chemical in them. If you want to be sure you are purchasing a product that is free from this chemical, look for the certified USDA Organic symbol. When looking at ingredients, you should avoid the following whenever possible:
Sodium laureth sulfate
PEG compounds
Chemicals that include the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth
Myreth
Polyethylene
Polethylene Glycol
Polyoxyethylene
Oxynol
Another way to be certain that your detergent is free from harmful chemicals is to make your own at home. This will give you peace of mind that what you are washing your clothing in is safe for you and your family. This is a cost effective and easy way to incorporate natural products into your home!
Hello, I am Rebecca! I am so glad you are here on this journey with me! Here, I am sharing my passions including gardening, cooking, baking, crafting, natural living and so much more! In addition to the content I share on my YouTube page, I also write a blog.
It took a long time for the things I am passionate about to awaken within me. Now that they have, I am eager to share them with others.
Among the many things I am passionate about, gardening is one of them. In addition to gardening, I also enjoy different areas of art, crafting, photography and home project DIY.