From tires to nail polish, we’re studying a new round of consumer products with toxic chemicals

Draft report open for formal public comment

by Cathy Hamilton-Wissmer
November 1, 2024

In May 2024, our Safer Products for Washington team identified a new set of toxic chemicals in everyday consumer products. That’s important because it gives us an opportunity to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals and prevent their release into the environment. We want your feedback on the products we’ve identified as significant sources of these toxic chemicals. 

Continue reading “From tires to nail polish, we’re studying a new round of consumer products with toxic chemicals”

PFAS and Aquatic Life

As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s commitment to safeguard the environment from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the agency uses its Clean Water Act authorities to develop recommended water quality criteria and informational benchmarks to help states and authorized Tribes protect aquatic ecosystems from several PFAS.

Environmental Protection Agency
October 1, 2024

These common chemicals could affect your health all over your body, expert says

CNN — 
There are chemicals in cookware, food, water, clothes and furniture that could cause problems for people’s health.

These PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances — sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t fully break down in the environment — have been used in consumer products since the 1950s.

By Madeline Holcombe, CNN
Mon September 9, 2024

EPA designates 2 forever chemicals as hazardous substances, eligible for Superfund cleanup

By MATTHEW DALY
The Associated Press
April 19, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday designated two forever chemicals that have been used in cookware, carpets and firefighting foams as hazardous substances, an action intended to ensure quicker cleanup of the toxic compounds and require industries and others responsible for contamination to pay for its removal.

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/epa-designates-2-forever-chemicals-as-hazardous-substances-eligible-for-superfund-cleanup

WA’s public water systems would need $1.6 billion for initial PFAS cleanup, state officials say

By Isabella Breda and Manuel Villa
April 10, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency announced the first national drinking water standard for six so-called forever chemicals Wednesday, a change that could cost Washington public water utilities an estimated $1.6 billion, according to state officials.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/biden-administration-reveals-first-drinking-water-standard-for-pfas