Can 1,4-dioxane in your tap water be measured in your blood and urine?

What's actually in it

1,4-Dioxane is an industrial solvent and manufacturing byproduct that contaminates groundwater. It's found in tap water across the U.S., especially on Long Island, NY, and other areas with industrial history. Standard water treatment doesn't easily remove it. 1,4-dioxane is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Sci Technol measured 1,4-dioxane in drinking water, blood, and urine of Long Island residents. The researchers found measurable levels in all three, confirming that the chemical enters the body through tap water. Metabolomic analysis revealed metabolic changes associated with the exposure.

Long-term exposure to 1,4-dioxane through drinking water may contribute to liver and kidney damage and increased cancer risk.

Check if your water utility tests for 1,4-dioxane. Activated carbon filters alone don't remove it well. Advanced oxidation or specialized treatment systems are needed. Consider bottled water from a tested source if your tap water is contaminated.