New Online: State of Washington’s Dept. of Ecology Releases Database of Toxic Chemicals Found in Consumer Products

From the Department of Ecology, State of Washington:

Lab results revealing levels of toxic chemicals in consumer products sold in Washington are now available through an online database.
Products in the database so far include children’s and baby’s items, clothing, personal care items, and toys. Information on more product types, such as children’s upholstered furniture, electrical and electronic items, and office and art supplies, will be added in the future.
Tests show most manufacturers are following laws regulating the use of toxic chemicals.
The Department of Ecology tests products to understand where and why toxic chemicals are used, with the goal of working with businesses and green chemists to find safer alternatives.
Ecology also tests products to verify manufacturers are following state laws:

• Children’s Safe Product Act (As part of this law, Ecology hosts a separate database with information manufacturers report about their use of toxic chemicals. Ecology compares what manufacturers report with their product testing results.)

• Toxics in packaging

• Better Brakes

• Bans on polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants in a wide array of uses, bisphenol A (BPA) in sports and children’s bottles, and copper in antifouling paints for recreational boats.

The presence of a chemical in a product does not necessarily mean it’s unsafe. However, when the widespread use of chemicals in everyday products combines with other sources, it all adds up to a significant problem. Toxic chemicals, especially long-lasting ones that build up over time, are found everywhere – in our air, land, water and bodies.

Direct to Database

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