WA State Leads the Nation in Banning Toxic Chemicals

In May 2023, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson signed new rules that, for the first time ever, ban toxic chemicals—including PFAS, phthalates, flame retardants, and bisphenols—put in plastic electronic casings, vinyl flooring, and beverage liners, among other products. These new rules conclude the first cycle of regulations as part of Safer Products for Washington, the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products—a major source of contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies. Our guest today is Cheri Peele, Sr. Projects Manager with Toxic-Free Future, and she will help us understand how this groundbreaking piece of legislation could be the bellwether for greater consumer protection nationwide.