Consumer Protection

SHB 3144 (2008) requires the Department of Information Services to coordinate among state agencies to develop a "one-stop" consumer protection Web site. As part of this initiative, Ecology has developed this Web page to provide improved access to the agency's consumer protection information.

Ecology provides a wide variety of consumer protection information (i.e. information related to ensuring a fair marketplace and safe products and services); see below.

Aquatic plants, algae, and lakes

Includes information on toxic algae and risk assessments of the aquatic use of selected pesticides.

Children's product safety

In 2008 the WA state legislature passed a law that will prohibit the sale of children’s products containing lead, phthalates, and cadmium above certain levels. Rule development is planned in 2009.

"Clean cars"

Starting with 2009 models, new vehicles must meet strict clean air standards to be registered, leased, rented, licensed, or sold for use in Washington. This includes cars, light duty trucks, and passenger vehicles (SUVs and passenger vans).

Floods

Includes information on flood hazard mapping and flood insurance.

Laboratory accreditation

Includes a searchable database of accredited environmental laboratories.

Landslides (Puget Sound)

Q&A on buying, building, insurance, drainage, bulkheads and more.

Septic systems

Information on the design and maintenance of septic tanks and drainfields. Also see Septic systems (Puget Sound).

Toxic contamination

On-line guide for homeowners and small businesses who discover or suspect toxic contamination of their property.

"Toxic Free Tips" - Hazardous Substance Information & Education Office (HSIEO)

Provides resources for a safer and healthier home, school, workplace and community; includes information on toxic chemicals and hazards, a shoppers guide, and recycling and disposal.

Toxins - Persistent, Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs)

Includes information on lead, mercury, and PBDEs (flame retardants).

Underground storage tanks

Includes link to information on residential heating oil tanks and the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency (PLIA) and its insurance program.

Vehicle emission specialists (Ecology contractor site)

A searchable database of Authorized Emission Specialists -- professional automotive repair technicians who have been specially trained in the diagnosis and repair of vehicles that fail any part of the emission testing process.

Water measuring

Includes background information on measuring water use and a link to a list of meter vendors and installers.

Well drilling

Information for property owners on drilling a new well or decommissioning (filling in) an old well; includes searchable databases on well drilling companies, licensed drillers, and well logs (reports).

Wood stoves, fireplaces, and other home wood burning devices

Any new wood burning device sold, offered for sale, or given away to Washington residents must meet Washington’s standards.

Outdoor wood-fired boilers

Information on these prohibited devices.