EPA Expands Draft 1,4-Dioxane Evaluation, Sparking Preemption Battle

EPA has expanded its draft evaluation of 1,4-dioxane, finding the presence of the chemical as a byproduct in eight consumer products poses no unreasonable risks that must be regulated under TSCA, a win for consumer product manufacturers who had sought the expanded evaluation to preempt pending state rules. The agency also found that 1,4-dioxane in surface waters used for recreation poses no risk, an evaluation that was recommended by the agency’s science advisors, though EPA rejected similar calls from its...