The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) expressed disappointment in the signing of ill-advised New York legislation that could take some cleaning products off store shelves across the state.
The legislation in question (S. 4389B/A. 6295A) – aimed at banning a manufacturing byproduct to help improve water quality in Long Island – was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo
As we previously had indicated, this bill will have no measurable impact on groundwater and it will not have the intended effect for Long Island’s residents, according to ACI.
The chemical in question is 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of the manufacturing process that can be found in minuscule amounts in some laundry and dish detergents. These are familiar and trusted brands that have been used for generations by millions of families on Long Island, in New York state and across the U.S.
The level of 1,4-dioxane in products is already so low that being forced to lower it further is in some cases not feasible. In effect, this bill could ban these types of common household products in New York State.”
We had offered language to make this bill workable and responsible. Regrettably, it was not included in the legislation that was signed into law.
Manufacturers’ priority is to continue providing consumers and customers in New York with cleaning products that are safe, effective and essential in helping to prevent the spread of disease and bacteria in our homes, hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels and government offices.
The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry.