Testing for chemicals in consumer products
We purchase products and test them to make sure manufacturers comply with state and federal laws, such as Washington’s Children’s Safe Products Act. We also conduct testing on unregulated products to collect more information about the chemicals consumers are exposed to.
Regulating everyday sources of toxicity
Many of the products we use every day release low doses of toxic chemicals. These chemicals can accumulate over time and have harmful effects on people and the environment. Washington is a leader in regulating these everyday sources of toxics, including heavy metals in children’s products, copper in brakes, and chemicals in packaging.
Enforcement
If testing indicates that a product contains a chemical restricted under state law, Ecology will contact the manufacturer and work to bring them into compliance. If products contain chemicals regulated under federal law, we refer test results to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Product testing staff take samples from a bracelet to test for cadmium and other chemicals.
Product testing reports and data
Our product testing reports focus on a particular type of product or a particular chemical. Read our most recent reports:
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Product testing database
While our testing data can't tell you which individual products are or aren't safe, this data helps us enforce current chemical regulations and know where to focus future efforts toward eliminating toxic substances.
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Please note: The presence of a chemical in a product doesn't necessarily mean that the product is harmful to human health or that the manufacturer violated safety standards or laws.
Learn more about our commitment to quality assurance.