Washington proposes tighter limits on toxic chemicals in consumer products

The Washington Department of Ecology has proposed new restrictions on toxic chemicals in cookware, cosmetics, firefighter gear, plastic turf and building materials, with public comment set to open soon. The draft rules target PFAS, siloxanes and flame retardants, but some chemicals in packaging and tires would face reporting requirements instead of bans.

Why it matters: - The draft rules would expand Washington's efforts to keep toxic chemicals out of everyday products that people use at home, at work and in public spaces. - The proposal could reduce exposures linked to cancer, hormone disruption and other health harms. - The plan also tests how far Washington can go under its safer products law when safer substitutes are not yet on the market.

What happened: - On Nov. 3, 2026, the Washington Department of Ecology released draft regulatory determinations to the legislature. - The draft proposes restrictions on toxic chemicals in products including cookware, cosmetics and personal care products, firefighter personal protective equipment, plastic turf and building materials. - Ecology is proposing restrictions on 10 chemicals or chemical classes in 12 product categories. - Ecology is also proposing reporting requirements for four chemicals or chemical classes in four product categories. - The proposal covers PFAS, siloxanes and toxic flame retardants.

The details: - The draft calls for only reporting, not restrictions, for PVC and PVDC in plastic packaging and 6PPD in motor vehicle tires. - The proposals address product categories tied to everyday exposure, including kitchen goods and personal care items. - Cheri Peele, director for government and market policy at Toxic-Free Future, said PFAS have no place in kitchens and hormone-disrupting siloxanes have no place in personal care products. - Peele also said Washington should go further on toxic plastics like PVC because safer, feasible alternatives already exist for some packaging applications. - Toxic-Free Future said Ecology has identified safer alternatives for some packaging uses but is only asking for more information instead of proposing restrictions.

Between the lines: - The draft shows a legal limit in Washington's safer products law: Ecology can only restrict 6PPD if safer alternatives are already feasible and available on the market. - 6PPD-quinone, a chemical formed from 6PPD in motor vehicle tires, is lethal to coho salmon. - Toxic-Free Future says the legislature should ban 6PPD and regrettable substitutes in tires and remove legal barriers that block action when safer alternatives are not yet commercially available. - The move suggests Washington is using chemical disclosure and targeted restrictions as a step toward broader product reform.

What's next: - Ecology will open a 45-day public comment period. - A final regulatory determinations report is expected by June 2027. - The law requires Ecology to adopt final regulatory actions in rule by June 2028. - The legislature could also revisit the law's limits if lawmakers choose to expand Ecology's authority.

The bottom line: - Washington is moving to regulate more toxic chemicals in consumer products, but the biggest test will be whether the state can move from reporting to bans when safer substitutes are still emerging.