P&G reformulating to reduce 1,4-dioxane?
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
According to the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, Procter & Gamble will reformulate 18 of its Herbal Essences shampoos to reduce levels of trace contaminant 1,4-dioxane as part of an agreement with David Steinman, founder of the Green Patriot Working Group, who filed a notice of intent to sue under California's Proposition 65. Steinman's testing found that Herbal Essences shampoos had 1,4-dioxane levels of 24 parts per million (ppm), more than double the 10 ppm "actionable level" suggested by prior legal action in the state under the "landmark toxics law," group says. Campaign rep Lisa Archer says 1,4-dioxane - a probable human carcinogen, according to the Environmental Protection Agency - is "just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to problematic chemicals in personal-care products." While the Campaign applauds P&G's decision to address 1,4-dioxane, the organization maintains that "even more is needed to assure customers that P&G products are free of chemicals." P&G could not be reached for comment; however, the firm has noted in the past that settling suits filed under Prop 65 can be more economical than fighting them, even when a firm is not actually in violation (1"The Rose Sheet" Sept. 15, 2008