1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic, volatile, colorless liquid that is miscible with water, most organic solvents, aromatic hydrocarbons and oils. It is used primarily as a stabilizer in chlorinated solvents. 1,4-Dioxane is also used as a solvent for numerous commercial products and as a wetting/dispersing agent in textile processing. In research, it is used in certain biological procedures such as liquid scintillation counting and the preparation of histological sections for microscopic examination. The primary routes of potential human exposure to 1,4-dioxane are inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact. Acute exposure to low levels of 1,4-dioxane vapors causes eye and nose irritation. Exposure to very high levels of these vapors can result in liver and kidney damage and death. It is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

It is mainly used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, celluloid, cellulose resins, vegetable oils, mineral oils, oil-soluble dyes, etc.It is also used in the manufacture of spray paints, varnishes, plasticizers, wetting agents, polishing agents, paint removers, fragrances, preservatives, fumigation disinfectants, deodorants, and pharmaceutical products.