News Release

T – 11 – 21
Meredith Williams, Director

Contact: Sanford (Sandy) Nax
(916) 327-6114
Sanford.Nax@dtsc.ca.gov

Gamaliel Ortiz
(916) 869-5422
Gamaliel.Ortiz@dtsc.ca.gov

California Seeks Greater Protection of Children and Environment from Hazardous Chemicals

SACRAMENTO – California officials are expanding efforts to protect children and the environment from consumer products containing harmful chemicals.

In a three-year workplan released today, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) made a commitment to work with U.S. manufacturers to make toys, jewelry, and artificial turf sold in California healthier for children.

State officials will also study whether automotive tires sold in California can be made safer for the environment. Chemicals released from worn tire tread end up in California’s water supplies where they must be removed through expensive treatment. They also wash into rivers and streams where they can harm spawning Coho salmon.

The Three Year Priority Product Work Plan 2021-2023 is a blueprint for consumer protection research projects that the department will undertake over the next three years through its Safer Consumer Products (SCP) program.

DTSC’s SCP program compels the use of safer chemicals in consumer products during the manufacturing process.  When the department identifies a product for research, manufacturers are required to look for ways to ensure it is made of safer materials. Requiring manufacturers to perform an “alternative analysis” reduces the risk of replacing one dangerous chemical with another that is as harmful, or worse.

Other notable highlights of the 2021-23 workplan include:

• An initiative to research products that contain microplastics, which is a growing threat to California’s aquatic environment and drinking water.
• An announcement that DTSC will not further investigate safer alternatives to lead-acid batteries since billions of dollars are already invested worldwide in researching safer battery technologies.
• A commitment to continue working in beauty, personal care, and hygiene products; cleaning products; and food packaging.

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FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES: Contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control to report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste or other environmental concerns at Calepa.my.salesforce-sites.com/complaints/Complaint.