Petition Targets Consumer Laundry Detergents: Implications for Labeling and SDS Compliance

A new Citizens' Petition filed under Section 21 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is calling on the EPA to take strict regulatory action against common chemical substances found in consumer liquid laundry detergents. For manufacturers and regulatory professionals, this petition highlights the growing scrutiny on surfactant residues and manufacturing byproducts.

Here is a breakdown of the January 2026 petition and what it could mean for the industry.

The Chemicals Under Scrutiny

The petition, filed by Andrew Gonzalez, specifically targets the following substances widely used in detergent formulations:

• Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate (CAS RN: 68081-81-2)
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) (CAS RN: 68585-34-2)
• 1,4-Dioxane (CAS RN: 123-91-1) – Present as a manufacturing impurity

The petitioner argues that these substances present an "unreasonable risk of injury to human health" under their specific conditions of use, citing concerns that "High Efficiency" washing machines fail to adequately rinse chemicals from fabrics, leading to continuous dermal exposure.

Proposed Regulatory Changes

The petition requests that the EPA initiate a rulemaking proceeding under TSCA Section 6(a) to enforce two major changes:

1. Mandatory Warning Labels: The petitioner is asking for a requirement that product labels explicitly state: "Concentrated residues of this product are known skin irritants."
2. Impurity Disclosure: A mandatory disclosure would be required on the physical product label if 1,4-Dioxane is detectable above 0.1 ppm. This is significant because 1,4-Dioxane is often a hidden byproduct of the ethoxylation process used to create SLES, rather than an intentionally added ingredient.

The Role of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Interestingly, the petition leverages existing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as evidence against manufacturers. Exhibit A of the petition cites a manufacturer's SDS which explicitly admits that the product causes "Serious eye irritation" and "Skin irritation".

This serves as a critical reminder for our clients: Your SDS is a public declaration of toxicity. The petitioner uses this data to argue that if a product is known to be an irritant in its concentrated form, and if residues remain on clothing, the public is being exposed to that risk without adequate warning.

What This Means for Manufacturers

If the EPA grants this petition, it could set a precedent for how "conditions of use" are interpreted regarding consumer products. It would move regulatory focus beyond just the handling of the liquid product to the residues left behind after use.

Manufacturers should prepare for:

• Increased scrutiny on 1,4-Dioxane levels: Lowering impurity levels may become a market necessity or regulatory requirement.
• Labeling Overhauls: Potential requirements for "contains" statements regarding byproducts.
• SDS Updates: Ensuring that hazard classifications accurately reflect the risks, as these documents are being scrutinized by consumer advocates and regulators alike.

Stay Compliant with SDS Writer

As the EPA reviews this petition, the regulatory landscape for consumer detergents may shift. Accurate, up-to-date Safety Data Sheets are your first line of defense and compliance.

Contact us today to review your current SDS portfolio and ensure you are prepared for emerging TSCA regulations.