Endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment
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King County staff offer tips on how to find the safest household products and how to safely dispose of household hazardous waste.
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Environmental lab scientist testing
for trace metals.
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Making good choices keeps harmfull chemicals from entering the waste stream in the first place.
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Things we can all do
Controlling chemicals at the source is the easiest and least expensive way to protect the environment and people from the harmful effects of all pollutants, including EDCs.
King County has several
programs for homes and businesses to reduce the amount of
contaminants entering stormwater and wastewater:
- To find out how to safely dispose of stuff you don’t want or
need, check the Web at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/WTD/community/
oldstuff.htm. This site tells you what should
go down toilets, sinks and other household drains; what
should go in the garbage; and what should be disposed of
in other safe and healthy ways.
- You can find resources about practicing natural yard care at
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/topics/yard-and-garden/.
- The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program works with
households and businesses to reduce the amount of potentially
toxic substances going down the drain. Lots of information on
less toxic choices can be found at http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/.
- King County’s Industrial Waste Program works with businesses to control the discharge of
substances that can degrade water quality or harm workers or facilities. A pilot project is under way
in the drainage basin surrounding the Duwamish Waterway to research, identify and control the
sources of phthalates (chemicals that make plastic flexible). You can find more information at
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/indwaste/
duwamish/phthalates.htm.
- The county’s Stormwater Services Program works to stop contaminants (including some
potential EDCs) from being discharged into surface water or groundwater. Find out more at
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/stormwater/.
For more information on EDCs, check the Web sites listed on the EDC home page . |
Medicine Take Back Program
For questions about the Wastewater Treatment Division Web site, please send an