On June 20 the New York State Legislature passed (A.6295A – Englebright / S.4389B – Kaminsky) to ban the contaminant 1,4-dioxane from common household products.
1,4 - dioxane, categorized as a likely carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency is a by-product of manufacturing processes and is found in common household products such as soaps, shampoos, body wash, baby products, and laundry detergents.
As a result of this manufacturing on Long Island, the chemical has also been detected in Suffolk County's groundwater. SCWA has been at the forefront of addressing 1,4-dioxane, installing the State's first and--to date--only Advanced Oxidation Process treatment system to remove the chemical from drinking water.
Suffolk County Water Authority released the following statement upon the passing of the bill:
"The best way to assure that 1,4-dioxane does not ultimately reach our precious groundwater supply is to remove it from household products, and so we applaud the state Senate and Assembly for their wisdom in approving this legislation and encourage Governor Cuomo to sign it into law expediently."