Abstract |
We wish to bring to your attention some recent information developed on the presence of 1, 4-dioxane in two specific products, the sodium and ammonium salts of alcohol ethoxysulfates. As you may be aware, 1, 4-dioxane was shown in a NCI study to be carcinogenic when given to rats at 5,000 ppm and 10,000 ppm in drinking water. The ethoxysulfate salts are toll-produced by Stepan Chemical Company and Witco Chemical Company and transported by contract carrier for Shell Chemical Company, a division of Shell Oil Company. There is no dioxane present in the alcohol ethoxylates from which these products are manufactured. The dioxane is produced during the conversion of alcohol ethoxylates to the alcohol ethoxysulfate salts. During the sulfation process, the transportation to formulators, and the formulation of products, the possibility of dermal and/or inhalation exposure to these undiluted materials could give rise to a potential risk to the health of those workers. |