Monday, December 9, 2019

New York Law Helps Prevent Water Contamination from 1,4-Dioxane


Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed legislation (S.4389-B/A.6295-A) to help prevent the emerging contaminant 1,4-dioxane from contaminating New York's water systems. This new law prohibits the sale of household cleaning products containing 1,4-dioxane and limits the sale of cosmetic and personal care products with certain levels of 1,4-dioxane.

"As emerging contaminants like 1,4-dioxane continue to show up in water systems around the country, in New York we are taking aggressive action to keep our drinking water clean and safe," Governor Cuomo said. "In the absence of federal standards to limit the spread of this harmful contaminant, this new law builds on our efforts to protect and preserve our drinking water resources from these unregulated chemicals that threaten the health of New Yorkers and the environment."

Senator Todd Kaminsky, Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, said, "New Yorkers deserve clean water, free of cancer-causing chemicals. That is precisely why my bill to ban cleaning and personal care products containing 1,4-dioxane is so critical. Long Islanders deserve pristine water -- nothing less will suffice. Thank you to Governor Cuomo for signing my legislation and for caring about such a fundamental issue for Long Islanders."

The Environmental Protection Agency identifies 1,4-dioxane as a likely carcinogen to humans. Despite the documented health risks associated with exposure to 1,4-dioxane, it is still found in many consumer products. When these products containing 1,4-dioxane are used by consumers and washed down the drain, the contaminant enters local water systems. Elevated levels of 1,4-dioxane have been found in municipalities across the State, with EPA data showing that Long Island has the highest levels detected in the entire country. This new law will help prevent 1,4-dioxane from contaminating New York's waters by banning and limiting the sale of products that contain this harmful chemical. To ensure compliance with these requirements, this law would impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each day of violation and up to $2,500 each day for a second violation.

This new law takes effect on January, 1, 2022.

This new law builds on Governor Cuomo's leadership in proposing the nation's first maximum contaminant level for 1,4-dioxane, and the nation's most protective maximum contaminant levels for PFOAa and PFOS.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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