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Toxics Reduction and Safer Alternatives

Oregonians want and deserve non-toxic materials and products that are safe for their families and the ecosystem. The Toxics Use Reduction Program seeks to reduce harmful environmental effects by managing hazardous materials through all stages of their life. We aim to eliminate toxic chemicals through measurable, transformational actions using innovative tools and guiding principles where we will:

  • Develop meaningful programs
  • Leverage imaginative partnerships
  • Make measurable progress
soil testing

Understanding PFAS in Oregon

Source reduction

We achieve program goals by adhering to the principles of pollution prevention or eliminating pollution at its source. Ultimately, the smartest, cheapest and healthiest approach to reducing toxic threats is to prevent the use of harmful chemicals in our products from the beginning.

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Environmental Protection Hierarchy

Safe alternatives

DEQ wants to help you learn about chemical hazards, exposure risks, and health impacts so you can buy products that are safer and have fewer toxic chemicals. EPA's Safer Choice program certifies safer products. To learn more, visit their web page.

We need to find and use less harmful materials or products for our homes or business. We help companies through training and technical assistance using green chemistry and engineering, chemical policy management and more to foster innovation and entrepreneurship while protecting public health and the environment.