The more we learn about toxic chemicals, the more we realize that they are everywhere. Toxic chemicals are in our air, water and soil, and in our bodies. Some toxic chemicals pose an immediate health threat. Others gradually build up in the environment and in our bodies, causing disease long after we are first exposed.

Some toxic chemicals impair development, some affect reproduction, some disrupt our body chemistry, and some cause cancer. Of the more than 80,000 chemicals in use today, we know about the toxicity of very few. And we know even less about the combined effects of all these chemicals. This lack of knowledge makes it hard for us to protect ourselves, and especially our children, who are at greatest risk.

What Ecology is Doing About it

Ecology has three ways to reduce toxic threats. We can:

• Clean up after toxics have polluted air, land or water.
• Limit or manage the amount of toxic chemicals that are put into the environment.
• Prevent toxic chemicals from being used in the first place.

Learn more about Ecology's efforts to reduce toxic threats.

HOMES, CONSUMERS, COMMUNITIES

Toxic Free Tips | Fish Advisories | Recycling | Outdoor burning | Integrated Pest Management | Dirt Alert! | Clean cars | More...

BUSINESS, INDUSTRY

Requirements for Managing Dangerous Waste | Environmental Permit Assistance | Stormwater: Permits and Assistance | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing | More...

TEACHERS, STUDENTS, SCHOOLS

Kid’s Recycling Page | Just for Kids | Safer Schools and Children | Soil Safety Program | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing | Sustainable School Awards | More...

PROJECTS, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS AT ECOLOGY

Persistent Bioaccumulating Toxics and Chemical Action Plans | Beyond Waste | Urban Waters Initiative | Local Source Control Program | More...