Washington finalizes list of toxic products for safer solutions assessment

Part of the nation’s strongest toxic chemical law, the final list includes PVC packaging, PFAS in paints, and toxic chemicals in cosmetics and adhesives

SEATTLE, WA, UNITED STATES, June 2, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- On May 30, 2025, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) released its final list of priority products for Cycle 2 of the Safer Products for Washington program, marking another milestone of the state’s groundbreaking program to protect health and the environment from highly toxic chemicals.

Under the Safer Products for Washington program, priority products were identified as significant sources or uses of high-hazard priority chemicals and chemical classes, including:

-Plastic PVC or PVDC packaging (organobromine or organochlorine substances)
-Cosmetics (cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes)
-Architectural paints (PFAS and alkylphenol ethoxylates)
-Sealants, caulks, and adhesives (ortho-phthalates)

Washington is the only state in the nation with a comprehensive program—Safer Products for Washington—dedicated to identifying and taking regulatory action to phase out harmful chemicals in everyday products. Toxic-Free Future released the following statement in response to this news:

“High-hazard chemicals in consumer products present an ongoing threat to the health of people and the planet—especially children, overburdened communities, and sensitive species like salmon and orcas,” said Cheri Peele, director for government and market policy at Toxic-Free Future. “Toxic-Free Future applauds the Department of Ecology for its continued leadership in identifying harmful chemicals in consumer products that put communities, wildlife, and the environment at risk. The priority products selected by Ecology present an excellent opportunity to protect public health and move companies to safer solutions. Based on existing market trends, we know that these solutions exist.”

Priority products are selected with a goal of reducing exposure to toxic chemicals—particularly among sensitive populations. In evaluating products, Ecology is required to consider the volume of priority chemicals found in the product, the volume of the product sold in Washington, the potential for environmental releases and exposure to sensitive species and populations, the availability and feasibility of safer alternatives, and existing regulations from other jurisdictions.
Next, Ecology will begin evaluating whether safer, feasible, and available alternatives exist for the specified priority chemicals or chemical classes in these priority products. If they do, Ecology may restrict the priority chemicals in the specified priority products.

In addition to naming new priority products in Cycle 2, the Department of Ecology will continue evaluating several product categories first identified in Cycle 1, Cycle 1.5, and in previous review cycles or in statute. These products remain under review to determine whether safer, feasible, and available alternatives exist. Both the newly designated and continuing priority products are listed in the tables and can be found here: https://toxicfreefuture.org/press-room/washington-finalizes-list-of-toxic-products-for-safer-solutions-assessment/

ABOUT SAFER PRODUCTS FOR WASHINGTON
The Safer Products for Washington Act is the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products—a major source of contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies. Passed in 2019, this precedent-setting law helps protect people and the environment from toxic chemical exposure and pollution.

The law directs state agencies to identify products that are significant sources of high-priority chemicals and gives Washington’s Department of Ecology the authority to take action to reduce them. Ecology can ban or require the disclosure of harmful chemicals in a wide range of products—including plastics, personal care products, electronics, and building materials. The law also empowers Ecology to require companies to disclose full ingredient information to support regulatory decisions and product public health.

TOXIC-FREE FUTURE
Toxic-Free Future is a national leader in environmental health research and advocacy. Through the power of science, education, and activism, Toxic-Free Future drives strong laws and corporate responsibility that protects the health of all people and the planet. www.toxicfreefuture.org

Stephanie Stohler
Toxic-Free Future
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