1,4-Dioxane: An Emerging Water Contaminant Explored

1,4-dioxane is an emerging water contaminant that has unknown implications for human health. The EPA classifies 1,4-dioxane as a likely human carcinogen. However, a lack of information, coupled with regulatory inaction, has limited further research on this contaminant. This essay targets three main aims in order to elucidate the particular harms that 1,4-dioxane exposure poses to human health. First, a historical analysis of pollution in the United States is provided to assess how chemical usage has evolved in response to existing environmental legislation. Second, the scientific literature is examined to determine the current state of research on the proposed mechanism of action for 1,4-dioxane. Finally, an analysis on the impact of elevated levels of 1,4-dioxane on Long Island New York is conducted. The results show evidence for the continuing presence of 1,4-dioxane in the water. While the data provided in this essay cannot be used to make conclusions about individual risk, it supports the need for future research into the negative health impacts of prolonged oral exposure to 1,4-dioxane.