Most products that contain toxic chemicals come with labels such as “Warning," "Poison," or "Danger," but not always. Check the safety data sheet (SDS) for a product as well.
Labels and SDS likely do not inform you of all the hazards of the chemicals in a product, but they are a helpful way to narrow down what products you may want to swap for something safer.
How do you find safer products?
The best way to find safer products is to find products that have been evaluated and certified by a reputable third-party. Here are our recommendations:
EPA’s Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE)
The Cradle to Cradle certified products program provides a wide range of certified products that are less toxic, and environmentally, socially, and ethically responsible. They use a tiered system for products such as:
EPEAT and TCO Certified (electronics and computers)
EPEAT registered products and TCO Certified products are electronics and computers that are certified to contain safer chemicals, such as safer flame retardants and plasticizers. These certifications also denote products that are more sustainable.
What if you can't find safer products?
There are many categories where certified products are less available. For these we recommend you contact our Safer Chemicals team or find resources that discuss and specify less toxic products such as the following:
Habitable (building materials)
Habitable (formerly Healthy Building Network) provides guidance and suggestions for safer building products in their Informed™ Product Guidance. Learn to reduce hazardous chemicals and find less toxic products for:
Insulatation and drywall.
Flooring and outdoor recreational turf.
Waterproofing and dampproofing materials.
San Francisco (SF) Approved product database
SF Approved provides a database of more environmentally friendly products you can use to replace more toxic items. The database is part of the City of San Francisco’s green purchasing program.
Are there best practices for cleaning and sanitizing?
Yes! While removing hazardous chemicals is the best approach, you can also reduce exposure to toxic chemicals by following the best practices outlined in:
We work with other organizations to offer webinars, in-person training, and other opportunities to build the skills you need to explore safer chemicals and products.
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.
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.
