Washington decide to Prohibit the Sale of Cosmetic Products Containing Toxic Chemicals

The Washington legislature has enacted legislation to prohibit the sale of cosmetic products containing certain added chemicals, which are linked to harmful health impacts such as cancer, birth defects, reproductive system damage, organ system toxicity, and endocrine disruption. The department of ecology is responsible for identifying and assessing the hazards of chemicals or chemical classes that can impact vulnerable populations and implementing initiatives to support small businesses in obtaining voluntary environmental health certifications for cosmetics. The department may also implement an initiative to support independent cosmetologists and small businesses in transitioning to safer cosmetic products.

Rule-making authority for this chapter includes adopting rules for implementing, administering, and enforcing this chapter, identifying a list of chemicals that release formaldehyde, and implementing restrictions on the remaining listed chemicals. Manufacturers who violate this chapter, rules, or orders may face civil penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation and $10,000 for repeat offenses. Penalties collected under this chapter will be deposited in the model toxics control operating account.