California Eyeing Regulation of 1,4-Dioxane in Drinking Water

California is moving closer to setting a drinking water limit for the solvent 1,4-dioxane, which EPA has said is a likely carcinogen. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment announced Friday it was working to set a public health goal for the emerging contaminant.

• 1,4-dioxane is a solvent used in paints, dyes, and varnishes but it is also found in personal care products like shampoo, soaps, and detergents. It moves easily through water and is costly to treat.

• The public health goal will be used by the State Water Resources Control Board to set a drinking water standard ...