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Washington

Washington State is a leading force in the nation on toxic chemicals: Washington passed a first-in-the-nation ban on the toxic flame retardant deca (PBDE) that inspired chemical manufacturers to work with EPA and voluntarily phase out PBDE production nationally. WA passed a ban on the use of hormone-disrupting BPA in baby bottles – helping build momentum that resulted in the FDA taking up the ban at the national level in 2012. Washington passed the strongest ban in the nation on lead, cadmium, and phthalates in children’s products, inspiring passage of a federal ban.

Washington set up our nation's most comprehensive chemical disclosure requirement to date for companies to report chemicals of high concern to children in kids' products. Washington's Green Chemistry Center, promoting the use of safer chemicals, also serves as a model to the nation.

washington

Washington Partners

State Progress

Bill Tracker for Washington

Current Policy

Lead
H.B. 1554: Prohibits airport operators and aviation retail establishments from selling, distributing, or otherwise making available to consumers leaded aviation gasoline. Requires airport operators to implement a plan to minimize environmental impacts and public health risks associated with leaded aviation gasoline.
Lead
H.B. 1551: Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cookware or cookware components containing lead or lead compounds.
Lead
S.B. 5605: Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cookware or cookware components containing lead or lead compounds.
PFAS
S.B. 5245: Requires the state department to establish pollutant limits for PFAS chemicals in biosolids by July 1, 2025. Prohibits land application of biosolids that do not comply with a PFAS chemical pollutant limit.

Adopted Policy

BPA, Phthalates, and Chemicals Used in Plastic
SB 6086: Establishes a procurement policy avoiding PCBs. (Adopted in 2014)
Chemical Prioritization / Disclosure / Phase-out ,
Toxic Chemicals General,
PFAS ,
Toxic Flame Retardants ,
BPA, Phthalates, and Chemicals Used in Plastic
SB 5135: Directs the Department of Ecology to identify and take regulatory action on consumer products that are a significant source of chemicals that are a concern for sensitive populations and species. Prioritizes PCBs, PFAS, organohalogen flame retardants, phthalates, and phenolic compounds (BPA, APEs) for initial consideration. (Adopted in 2019)
BPA, Phthalates, and Chemicals Used in Plastic ,
Food Packaging
SB 6248: Bans BPA from children’s food and beverage containers (other than metal cans) and all reusable water bottles. (Adopted in 2010)
Formaldehyde ,
Lead ,
Mercury ,
PFAS ,
BPA, Phthalates, and Chemicals Used in Plastic ,
Triclosan
H.B. 1047: Beginning January 1, 2025, no person may manufacture, knowingly sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or distribute for use in this state any cosmetic product that contains any of the following intentionally added chemicals or chemical classes: ortho-phthalates, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, formaldehyde, mercury, triclosan, and more. (Adopted in 2023)
Cadmium ,
Lead ,
Chemical Prioritization / Disclosure / Phase-out ,
Heavy Metals
HB 2647: Bans children’s products containing lead, cadmium and phthalates, creates a list of chemicals of high concern and requires their disclosure in children’s products. (Adopted in 2008)
Chemical Prioritization / Disclosure / Phase-out ,
PFAS
HB 1694: Improves logistical processes for the regulation of priority chemicals in consumer products. (Adopted in 2022)
PFAS ,
Food Packaging
HB 2658: Prohibits the manufacture and sale of food packaging containing PFAS chemicals and requires the Department of Ecology to conduct an assessment on safer alternatives. (Adopted in 2018)
Lead ,
Heavy Metals
HB 1033: Requires lead wheel weights be replaced with environmentally preferable wheel weights. (Adopted in 2009)
Mercury ,
Heavy Metals
S 6131: Prohibits the sale or distribution of mercury-containing novelty products, thermometers, thermostats, or motor vehicle switches. (Adopted in 2012)
PFAS
HB 2265 : Eliminates exemptions from restrictions on use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam. (Adopted in 2020)
PFAS
SB 6413: Prohibits the manufacture and sale of class B firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals.  (Adopted in 2018)
PFAS
HB 1080: An act relating to the capital budget. Appropriates funding for PFAS treatment, cleanup, and pilot project. (Adopted in 2021)
Toxic Chemicals General,
Plastics
H.B. 1085: Requires construction of a bottle filling station in any construction subject to the requirements in which a drinking fountain is required. Beginning June 1, 2024, prohibits the sale, distribution, and installation of overwater structures containing expanded plastic foam. Prohibits lodging establishments from providing single-use plastic personal health or beauty products. (Adopted in 2023)
Toxic Flame Retardants
HB 2545 : Bans the sale of children's products and residential furniture containing toxic flame retardants TDCPP, TCEP, DecaBDE, HBCD, and additive TBBPA. (Adopted in 2016)
Toxic Flame Retardants
HB 1024: Bans the sale of certain products containing the flame retardants PBDEs and mattresses containing decaBDE, and requires the state to study alternatives to them. Restricts the sale of televisions, computers, and residential upholstered furniture containing decaBDE as a result of the Departments’ finding that safer and technically feasible alternatives that meet fire safety standards are available. (Adopted in 2007)
Toxic Flame Retardants
Executive Order 04-01: Directs the Department of Ecology to move forward on phasing out the use of PBDEs. (Adopted in 2004)

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