Safer alternatives to toxic chemicals
Using toxic chemicals in products and manufacturing processes can put workers and your business's reputation at risk. Switching to safer alternatives can reduce:
- Risk to your staff, customers, and the environment.
- Your hazardous waste disposal costs.
We provide resources to help your business find safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals through:
- Training and events.
- Tools and databases.
- Free, non-regulatory, hands-on assistance from our staff.
Assessing chemicals and their alternatives
How much do you know about the hazards of the chemicals you use? How do you know whether potential alternatives are really any safer? Databases and other tools can help you identify and compare chemical hazards and evaluate alternatives. If you need assistance assessing chemicals or finding replacements, we can help.
Training and events
We work with other organizations to offer webinars, in-person training, and other opportunities to build the skills you need to explore safer chemicals.
On-demand webinars and videos
- Safer Chemistry Training for Businesses
Learn about the basics of green chemistry, its applications, and safer alternative concepts. Taught by the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3). - Steps for Transitioning to Safer Chemicals: OSHA Toolkit and Training
Learn how to apply the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) 7-step process to identify, assess, and transition to safer chemicals. - Introduction to GreenScreen
Learn how to identify chemical hazards and use the GreenScreen method to select safer chemicals. - Safer Choice: What Formulators and Suppliers Need to Know
Learn how your products can obtain the Safer Choice label and the opportunities for suppliers to differentiate their products in the marketplace.
Virtual and in-person class training
- Transitioning to Safer Chemicals
Learn how to identify, assess, and transition to safer chemicals using Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) 7-step process. This is a 1.5-day course offered in partnership through the University of Washington’s Continuing Education program. - University of Washington Green Chemistry & Chemical Stewardship Online Certificate Program
An 8-month online program teaches participants fundamental principles of green chemistry and how to incorporate the principles into product design, materials, and supply chain decisions. - Introduction to GreenScreen® online course
Learn how companies like yours can use the GreenScreen method to add safer chemicals to your processes in this self-paced online course. Graduates are eligible to then take the Advanced Topics Course.
Free, non-regulatory technical assistance
Our chemists, engineers, and other specialists provide pollution prevention technical assistance to help you assess the chemicals your company uses and look for safer alternatives. Our help is non-regulatory and free.
Contact our Safer Chemicals team for help.
Pollution prevention grants
To support businesses that want to purchase and sample safer alternatives and equipment, we may be able to provide funding. Learn more about pollution prevention grants.
Related links
Contact information
Safer Chemicals Team
Safer.Chem@ecy.wa.gov