Toxic-Free Future and 14 other public health and environmental groups submitted a joint letter last week urging the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) to strengthen its draft regulation on PFAS “forever chemicals,” under the state’s Safer Products for Washington Act, the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products.
In addition to leading the joint letter, Toxic-Free Future submitted technical comments as well as delivered a petition signed by more than 200 individuals, all calling for stronger protections. Together, these efforts urge Ecology to close dangerous loopholes, including by banning PFAS in cookware and other everyday products that contribute to widespread contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies.
What’s happening
Ecology’s proposed rule takes important steps to restrict PFAS in three product categories, including everyday apparel, cleaning supplies, and car washes, where it identified safer solutions. But it falls short in key areas, requiring only reporting on the use of PFAS in nine additional product categories. The failure to ban PFAS in cookware and kitchen supplies, despite the wide availability of safer solutions like stainless steel and cast iron, is especially concerning.
Why it matters
PFAS are linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and immune system suppression—and they build up in people, wildlife, and the environment. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down and are used in everyday products like cookware, textiles, and food packaging. Strong regulations are essential to prevent further exposure and protect public health.
What we’re asking for: stronger protections, fewer loopholes
We are urging Washington’s Department of Ecology to use the full authority granted by the Legislature to eliminate PFAS in more products, including cookware, and to hold companies accountable when they don’t identify alternatives in use. In addition to leading the joint sign-on letter, Toxic-Free Future submitted a technical letter recommending stronger action, such as banning PFAS in cookware where safer alternatives exist and narrowing exemptions for outerwear to apply only to true specialized gear. Ecology must close these loopholes to fully protect public health and the environment from widespread PFAS contamination.
Public support for a stronger rule
In addition to the joint sign-on letter, Toxic-Free Future also delivered a petition signed by more than 200 individuals as part of the official comment period. These people called on the Department of Ecology to strengthen the rule by banning PFAS in all products—not just a few. As the petition stated, “reporting isn’t regulation.” With PFAS polluting our drinking water, homes, and bodies, Ecology must go further to identify safer alternatives and eliminate these toxic chemicals wherever they are used.
What advocates are saying in the joint letter
The joint letter from Toxic-Free Future and 14 other public health and environmental groups states, “With safer, feasible, available alternatives on the market, restrictions on PFAS in cookware and kitchen supplies should be included in the proposed regulation.”
Take action
Washington has an opportunity to lead once again by closing dangerous loopholes and eliminating PFAS from more products. Stay informed on next steps, future rulemaking, and ways you can help push for strong protections by signing up for our updates. Together, we can prevent further harm and protect the health of Washington’s people and environment.
Director of Government and Market Policy
Cheri Peele joined Toxic-Free Future in 2022 to play a leadership role in both the Retailer Report Card and public policy advocacy. She has worked for over 20 years to create and implement leadership strategies for the transition to safer chemicals.
