Reducing toxic chemicals in Washington
Toxic chemicals we work on are often considered the "worst of the worst." They are known to cause severe health conditions, remain in the environment, or build up over time within living bodies (both human and wildlife). These chemicals are:
- In many everyday products — soda cans, jewelry, cosmetics, furniture, and so much more.
- Often NOT listed on consumer product labels.
We work with the Department of Health and many others (Tribal and local governments, state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and others) to research and regulate toxic chemicals.
How do we address toxic chemicals in Washington?
Laws and regulations
We implement many statewide toxic chemical laws and rules in Washington that regulate chemicals in consumer products. High priorities include:
- Safer Products for Washington works with the Department of Health to implement the Toxic Pollution Law (Chapter 70A.350 RCW), which establishes an ongoing process for us to identify and regulate priority chemicals in 5-year cycles.
- Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) (Chapter 70A.560 RCW) restricts certain chemicals in cosmetic products from being manufactured, distributed, or sold within or into Washington. This includes products sold online or at brick-and-mortar stores.
|
Chemical or product |
Chemical or product information |
Laws and rules |
|---|---|---|
| 6PPD | Prevents tires from degrading, but when exposed to air, it creates 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ) which is lethal to coho salmon and contaminates water. |
|
| AFFF | Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is used on fuel-based fires. It’s the leading cause of PFAS-contaminated water in Washington. | |
| Bisphenols | Often found in food and drink containers and thermal paper (receipts). | |
| Cadmium | Heavy metal used to make pigments more vibrant. Found in a wide variety of materials (plastic, ceramic, glass, metals, etc.). | |
| Copper | Natural mineral that becomes toxic at higher amounts, especially to aquatic life. | |
| Flame retardants | Chemicals that reduce flammability, but some pose serious health risks. | |
| Formaldehyde | Chemical that can increase risk of cancer and respiratory irritation. Used to make plastics and can be released from some preservatives in products like cosmetics. | |
| Lead | Naturally occurring metal that can be highly toxic to human health. Found in lead paint, cosmetics, gasoline, ammunition, etc. | |
| Mercury | Heavy metal found in thermostats, auto switches, and fluorescent lights that can leak into the environment where it bioaccumulates in fish and wildlife. Eating fish is the most common way people are exposed to mercury. | |
| PFAS | Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group chemicals found in a wide variety of personal, consumer, and industrial products (nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, waterproof cosmetics, stain-resistant furniture, etc.) | |
| Phthalates | Chemicals used in a variety of products to add flexibility to plastics or extend the life of scents and fragrances. | |
| Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) | Chemicals that form when organic matter is burned (barbecues, wildfire smoke, etc.), or from creosote-treated wood, cars, and asphalt sealants. |
Chemical action plans (CAPs) and action plans (APs)
Chemical action plans (CAPs) are comprehensive plans that:
- Identify, characterize, and evaluate all uses and releases of a specific chemical of concern.
- Recommend actions to protect human health and the environment.
- Serve as a guide that can lead to legislative or regulatory action.
APs serve the same function, however, they are for chemicals not currently on the list of PBTs.
Pollution prevention and product replacement programs
We help businesses reduce toxic chemicals through technical assistance and product replacement incentive programs:
- Pollution prevention services help businesses of any size address waste and pollution, choose safer products, and understand laws and compliance at no cost to them.
- Product replacement programs help businesses and agencies switch to safer products and safely dispose of toxic chemicals through financial and technical support.
Subsidy programs
Subsidy programs support businesses with financial and technical assistance:
- Cosmetics certification subsidy program
- Safer product certification subsidy program helps manufacturers reformulate their products to remove toxic chemicals or gain certification to prove their products meet current regulations.
How do we decide what toxic chemicals to prioritize?
Our approach focuses on pollution prevention and reducing or eliminating the use of toxic chemicals in Washington. The most concerning toxic chemicals are known as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals (WAC 173-333-310). PBTs have the following characteristics:
- Persistent: They remain in the environment — they don’t disappear or break down, thereby continuing to risk exposure.
- Bioaccumulative: They’re stored in living bodies where they increase in concentration over time.
- Toxic: Linked to severe health issues such as cancers, reproductive, developmental, or neurological conditions in people and wildlife.
While we prioritize PBTs, we also focus on other toxic chemicals that have at least one of the characteristics noted above. For example, we prioritize regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known as “forever chemicals” because they are highly persistent, many are toxic, and some bioaccumulate in people, wildlife, and the environment.
Related links
Contact information
Chemical Action Plans Team
ChemActionPlans@ecy.wa.gov