April 1, 2008 | Cleaning products, News
Recently a report was released by the Organic Consumer Association (OCA) saying that the presence of 1,4 dioxane, a potential carcinogen and definite toxin, was found in two Seventh Generation dishwashing liquids. Although the sampling in the report was rather random in that they compared dishwashing liquids and cleansers with personal care products, which would be like comparing apples to oranges, the fact is that the unwanted substance was still found in a product marketed to be natural and safe. In a world where “green washing” is all too common, we here at Broomhuggers wanted to try to shed some light on this report.
Seventh Generation has risen above the controversy in the best way they knew how - by telling the truth. When they were accused of improperly disclosing the use of a dangerous chemical in their dish liquids they immediately offered up this response…
We do not intentionally add the compound to our products. 1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of a process used to soften harsh detergents. What’s more, the FDA and our own strict guidelines deem our dish liquids safe. Even the OCA report shows that in terms of 1,4-dioxane, our dish liquid is the safest on the market. We are committed to reformulating our dish liquid as quickly as possible and completely eliminating 1,4-dioxane from all of our products.
While 1,4-dioxane is not something we want in our natural products, the OCA has admitted that there is not an effective alternative for dishwashing liquid currently available.
What is 1,4-dioxane anyway?
There have been statements that dioxane indicates that the product is petrochemically derived, but 1,4 dioxane is also a by-product of the manufacturing process of the coconut based surfactants used by Seventh Generation (and others). The dioxane is formed when the coconut oil is modified with a petroleum-derived material.
The bottom line… Seventh Generations’ goal is to create a healthier, safer world for us to live in and they are doing so to the best of their abilities. While they are already producing great products, their ongoing research will hopefully provide even better, safer products for our families and homes.
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barbara-ann says:
Kudos to Seventh Generation for nicely handling the situation with a prompt, well-stated response. I use many hair products that contain coconut based surfectants too. Who knew about 1,4 dioxane?
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 am