Cancer-Causing Chemical Found Near Cougars' Stadium

KANE COUNTY, IL –Kane County officials say there is no reason for public concern after recent testing found 1,4-dioxane, a chemical known to cause cancer, in an irrigation well near the Kane County Cougars stadium, according to the Daily Herald. Ken Anderson, the county's director of environmental and water resources, told the newspaper it's not clear where the contamination came from but it's believed the dormant Midway and Settler's Hill landfill, located adjacent to Northwestern Medicine Stadium in Geneva, may be the source. Waste Management oversees use and general maintenance of the landfill and the Cougars stadium is located on land owned by the county.

Testing in the first quarter of this year found unsafe levels of 1,4-dioxane in the water, according to the Daily Herald. Anderson told the newspaper 1,4-dioxane moves easily through water and exposure is unlikely since "once it hits the air, generally, it's gone." He said there "no reason Cougars fans or players should be concerned."

Short-term exposure to high levels of 1,4-dioxane may result in nausea, drowsiness, headache, and
irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, according to the EPA. The EPA has classified 1,4-dioxane as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans” by all routes of exposure.

Exposure may occur through ingestion of contaminated food and water, or dermal contact. Worker exposures may include inhalation of vapors, according to the EPA. 1,4-dioxane is a by-product present in many goods, including paint strippers, dyes, greases, antifreeze and aircraft deicing fluids, and in some deodorants, shampoos and cosmetics.

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