Making consumer products safer

Get involved with our process to share the actions you support to reduce harmful chemicals in products.

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Safer Products for Washington

We're considering restrictions that you can help shape. Help us make products you use safer from harmful chemicals.

Click through the panels to learn more about the products we’re considering regulating.

A pregnant person with a cart in a grocery store shopping for cleaning products.

Some products we buy contain harmful chemicals, which make their way into our homes. There, they escape into household air and dust. Toxic chemicals can reach the environment when we use or dispose the products.

Keep reading to see more about the toxic chemicals in some common products.

A house with different rooms showing various consumer products.

In some electric appliances,  chemicals intended to slow fires  are linked to developmental issues in children and other health concerns. In certain food and drink cans, chemicals lining the can are linked to hormone problems.

A person sitting at their dining room table using a laptop, highlighting food cans and electronic appliances.

In some laundry detergents, chemicals that help soap spread can harm fish when they escape into the environment. In some care and beauty products,  chemicals that preserve scents  can impair reproduction and development.

In some electronics, chemicals intended to slow fires can harm our development, especially as children grow. In some upholstered furnishings, carpets, and stain prevention treatment sprays,  chemicals that repel water and stains  are linked to cancer and many other issues.

In some printing inks,  chemicals created during pigment manufacturing  can cause cancer and other problems. In certain shipping labels and receipts, chemicals that develop the text on the paper can disrupt our hormone systems.

Toxic chemicals leave our homes down our drains, out our windows, and as products are used and disposed into the environment. There, they can make their way into orcas, salmon, or other species. Not only can this harm wildlife health, but when humans consume these species, they are also exposed.

Consumer products leaking harmful chemicals are the largest source of toxics entering Washington state.

Are you concerned about toxic chemicals in products you use? Keep reading to get tips for protecting yourself from harmful chemicals and purchasing safer products. 

For safer cleaning products, check out the  EPA Safer Choice search tool . Keep your space ventilated while you clean. Look for personal care products that are fragrance free. Check out the  Environmental Working Group’s Skindeep database  to learn about ingredients in care products.

If you’re buying a new gadget, look for safer electronics on the  TCO Certified product finder . To search many other safer products (like textiles and furniture), check out  Cradle to Cradle™ Certified products , preferably platinum or gold!

Ask for an electronic receipt, or skip the receipt. If you handle receipts at work, touch them as little as possible. Don’t crumple! Regularly dust and vacuum your home. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Wash your hands frequently. Ask businesses for safer options and hold them accountable. Skip non-essential uses of products with harmful chemicals.