1,4-Dioxane
volatile organic compound
Industrial solvent stabilizer; a byproduct/contaminant in some detergents, cosmetics, and shampoos; historically discharged to groundwater.
EPA regulatory status
Legal limit (MCL)
No numeric MCL
Goal (MCLG)
Not set
UNREGULATED federally — no MCL. Monitored under EPA's UCMR3 (2013-2015). EPA's reference concentration for a 1-in-1,000,000 lifetime cancer risk is about 0.35 ug/L. Some states set their own guidance/limits. Absence of a federal limit is itself the finding.
Health effects
A likely human carcinogen (EPA). Long-term exposure is associated with liver and kidney effects and an increased cancer risk.
This is general public-health information, not medical advice — consult your physician with any health concerns.
National violations
0
EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records zero violations of 1,4-Dioxane's rule nationally. See this contaminant's regulatory status above for its current standard and compliance timeline — a zero count is not necessarily an all-clear.
How to remove 1,4-Dioxane
advanced oxidation
none — 1,4-dioxane is poorly removed by standard carbon or reverse osmosis; it typically requires advanced oxidation (UV + hydrogen peroxide) at treatment-plant scale. No point-of-use filter is reliably certified for it.
Frequently asked questions
What is 1,4-Dioxane?
1,4-Dioxane is a volatile organic compound regulated in US drinking water. Industrial solvent stabilizer; a byproduct/contaminant in some detergents, cosmetics, and shampoos; historically discharged to groundwater.
What is the legal limit for 1,4-Dioxane in drinking water?
UNREGULATED federally — no MCL. Monitored under EPA's UCMR3 (2013-2015). EPA's reference concentration for a 1-in-1,000,000 lifetime cancer risk is about 0.35 ug/L. Some states set their own guidance/limits. Absence of a federal limit is itself the finding.
What health effects does 1,4-Dioxane have?
A likely human carcinogen (EPA). Long-term exposure is associated with liver and kidney effects and an increased cancer risk.
How many violations of 1,4-Dioxane limits are on record nationally?
EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records zero violations of 1,4-Dioxane's rule nationally. See this contaminant's regulatory status above for its current standard and compliance timeline — a zero count is not necessarily an all-clear.
How do I remove 1,4-Dioxane from my water?
none — 1,4-dioxane is poorly removed by standard carbon or reverse osmosis; it typically requires advanced oxidation (UV + hydrogen peroxide) at treatment-plant scale. No point-of-use filter is reliably certified for it.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations · Data as of 2026-07-16