Toxic chemicals in your home
Many common household products contain known toxic chemicals, which is why they come with warning labels like Poison! Danger! Caution! Warning! But many products can also contain toxic chemicals that are not included on the label that can be just as hazardous – such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), phthalates, flame retardants, and more.
Learn how to:
- Identify toxic products.
- Reduce the impacts of toxic chemicals in your home.
- Safely dispose of hazardous household products.
How do you recognize hazardous household products?
Look for warning labels
Many common household products can contain hazardous chemicals, which is why they come with warning labels, like Danger, Warning, Poison, or Caution.
- Store these products in bins, trays, or other storage options away from children and pets and away from any heat sources.
- Keep the labels on so everyone knows what the product is.
- Dispose of hazardous household products properly.
Never dispose of hazardous household products in the trash, sink, drain, or toilet.
Look for priority toxic chemicals
Household products can contain priority toxic chemicals you may be unaware of due to the fact they are not required on the label, such as:
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Often found in products marketed as waterproof, or stain- and water-resistant.
- Flame retardants: Used to make products fire resistant or fireproof.
- Phthalates: Often found in fragrances and products that require flexible plastics.
- Lead: Found in a wide variety of products.
Here are some common products and the chemicals they could contain:
| Product | Possible chemical(s) |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products and disinfectants | PFAS, phthalates |
| Clothing | PFAS |
| Cookware | PFAS, lead |
| Cosmetics | PFAS, formaldehyde, lead, mercury |
| Fragrances and perfume | Phthalates |
| Furniture and textiles | PFAS, flame retardants |
Learn more about how to shop for safer products.
How can you reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals?
Apply safer cleaning practices
Toxic chemicals, when released from products that contain them, can build up in dust and the air we breathe. To reduce your exposure:
- Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter.
- Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber or damp cloth.
- Use cleaners with the Safer Choice label or make your own cleaning solution.
- Leave shoes at the door.
- Open the windows and circulate fresh air, run an air purifier, or use an air filter with a high MERV rating if you have an HVAC system.
Learn more tips at Healthy Home | Washington State Department of Health or read our Healthier Living Starts at Home guide.
Shop for safer household and consumer products
Learn more about how to shop for safer products and find safer alternatives.
Dispose of hazardous household products properly
Learn to recycle or dispose of toxic household products properly so they don’t pollute the environment, your community, or your home. Never put toxic chemicals in the trash or down the drain, sink, or toilet.
Frequently asked questions
Related links
Contact information
Safer Products for Washington
SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov
360-999-7566
Hazardous Substance Information and Education Office
HSIEO@ecy.wa.gov
800-633-7585
Safer Products for Washington is funded by state legislative funding. The Hazardous Substance Information and Education Office is funded in partnership with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries by the Worker and Community Right-to-Know Fund.