Safer Products for Washington

Our Safer Products for Washington program works with the Department of Health to implement the Toxic Pollution Law (Chapter 70A.350 RCW). This law:

Reduces the use of toxic chemicals in consumer products by restricting or eliminating those chemicals when safer alternatives are available.
Creates a pathway to keep harmful chemicals out of the environment.
Authorizes us to regulate chemicals in consumer products in 5-year cycles.

Learn more about what cycle we are in.

I want to...

Phase 1: Select priority chemicals. Phase 2: Identify products. Phase 3: Determine regulations. Phase 4: Rulemaking. Back to phase 1.

How does this law work?

The law establishes an ongoing process for us to identify and regulate priority chemicals in 5-year cycles. Each cycle consists of four phases:

Prioritize chemicals.
Identify products.
Determine regulatory actions.
Rulemaking.

While working through the phases, we do technical research, seek public input, consult with Dept. of Health, and report to the Legislature.

What cycle are we in?

There are two active Safer Products for Washington cycles — cycle 1.5 and cycle 2.

Cycle 1.5, phase 4: Rulemaking

We published a report that identifies our regulatory determinations for PFAS in certain products and started rulemaking for cycle 1.5. A final rule will be in place by Dec. 2025.

In 2022, the Washington State Legislature asked us to create regulatory recommendations for some products that contain PFAS. In cycle 1.5, we’re looking at firefighting PPE (personal protective equipment) and other products from our 2021 PFAS chemical action plan (CAP), like apparel and gear, cleaning products, and motor vehicle washes and waxes.

Cycle 2, phase 2: Identify priority products

In May 2024, we published a report identifying priority chemicals for cycle 2. We are now working to identify priority consumer products. On Nov. 1, 2024, we published the Safer Products for Washington Cycle 2 Draft Identification of Priority Products Report to the Legislature. The final priority products report will be published by June 1, 2025.

To learn more:

Completed cycles and adopted rules

Cycle 1 adopted: Effective July 1, 2023

On May 31, 2023, we adopted Cycle 1 - Chapter 173-337 WAC – Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting. The adopted rule went into effect July 1, 2023. Some manufacturers, distributors, and retailers must comply with restrictions on some consumer products starting Jan. 1, 2025. Reporting parties must submit the first notification by Jan. 31, 2025.

2023

We went through our first Safer Products for Washington rulemaking and adopted the rule on May 31, 2023.

2022

After engaging with stakeholders and interested parties, we publish a 2022 legislative report sharing our suggested regulatory actions for the cycle 1 chemical-product combinations.

2020

We submitted a 2020 legislative report identifying products to focus on for cycle 1; products that contain the chemical classes listed in the statute.

The Cycle 1 adopted rule requires manufacturers to restrict or report:

PFAS in aftermarket stain- and water-resistance treatments, carpets and rugs, and leather and textile furnishings.
Ortho-phthalates in vinyl flooring and in personal care product fragrances.
Organohalogen flame retardants in electric and electronic products.
Flame retardants (as defined in RCW 70A.350.010) in recreational polyurethane foam.
Phenolic compounds in laundry detergent, food and drink can linings, and thermal paper.

For more information, read:

Frequently asked questions

Information about how you interact with products we’ve identified as priority products is always useful. It helps us understand how product use varies across individuals and communities. While your use of a product might seem obvious, it could be a use we haven’t considered. Suggestions for additional chemical classes or consumer products to evaluate are also helpful.

How to submit feedback

Email us at SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov. We welcome feedback anytime and are also available to meet with individuals and organizations in person.

Translated content

We offer free language services about our programs and services for people whose primary language is not English. We can provide written information in your preferred language and interpreters in person or over the telephone.

Contact our Language Access team: civilrights@ecy.wa.gov

Contact information

Safer Products for Washington
SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov

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