In a world of chemical products, making the best choices for your health and the environment can be hard. We’re here to help. 

Browse the following pages to learn more about reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals and the principles that drive our work. 

Home care and furnishings 

Safer cleaning recipes and maintenance tips. 

The image shows a reddish-brown dog sitting comfortably in a large, plush, grey dog bed. The bed has a cozy, inviting look, with a blanket draped over the dog. The dog has a happy expression, looking slightly up and to the side with its mouth slightly open, possibly panting or smiling.

Tips for less toxic pet care

The image shows a well-organized and aesthetically pleasing laundry room. In the center is a front-loading washing machine with some laundry visible inside. To the left of the washing machine, there is a white shelving unit with woven baskets, a small potted plant, a stack of folded towels, and a glass jar filled with laundry items, likely cotton balls or detergent pods. On the floor, there is a woven basket with a green plant.

Tips for a less toxic laundry routine

The image shows two brown spray bottles labeled "BATHROOM CLEANER" and "KITCHEN CLEANER," placed on a wooden surface. There is also a wooden dish brush and a white cloth nearby. The setting appears to be a clean and organized kitchen or cleaning area, with a sink and faucet visible in the background. The overall aesthetic is simple and eco-friendly, with a focus on natural materials.

Tips for less toxic home cleaning

The image shows a small cockroach on a metallic surface, likely part of an appliance or a piece of furniture. The cockroach is positioned on the edge of the surface, and the background is a light-colored wall. The close-up view highlights the details of the cockroach, including its legs and antennae. This setting suggests a potential pest issue that might need to be addressed to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Managing pest problems without toxics

The image shows two air freshener spray cans on a shelf. The can on the left is from SC Johnson and is labeled "Apple Cinnamon," advertised as an odor-fighting spray for lasting freshness. The can on the right is a Febreze Unstopables AIR Fresh spray, marketed with "2X Scent Power." The Unstopables can has a black and blue design with water droplet graphics, indicating a fresh and powerful scent. Both products are positioned side by side, suggesting a variety of options for keeping indoor spaces smelling pl

What to know about synthetic fragrances

The image shows a collection of paint cans, each filled with different colors of paint. The cans are various sizes and appear to be used, with paint splatters and drips on the rims and sides. The colors include shades of yellow, green, brown, blue, white, and others, indicating a diverse range of paints. The setting looks like a workshop or storage area, with the cans arranged closely together on a surface, likely ready for use in a painting project. The overall scene suggests a practical and creative envir

Healthier home painting

The image shows a grey loveseat with two floral-patterned throw pillows. There is a light blue blanket draped over one arm of the loveseat. The loveseat has a simple design with nailhead trim along the bottom edge and arms. The background is a plain, textured beige wall, and the floor appears to be a dark carpet. To the right of the loveseat, there is a small potted plant on the floor, adding a touch of greenery to the otherwise neutral setting. The overall atmosphere is cozy and inviting, ideal for a relax

All about flame retardant chemicals

Food and cooking

Avoid toxic chemicals in foods, practice safe food storage, and learn about safer kitchen maintenance. 

The image shows a black frying pan with a speckled pattern, placed on a black stovetop or countertop. The pan has a long, ergonomic handle. The background is a plain white wall, creating a minimalist and clean aesthetic. The scene is simple and uncluttered, focusing solely on the frying pan, which appears to be new and unused. The overall atmosphere is modern and sleek, with a strong emphasis on the contrasting colors of black and white.

All about "forever chemicals" in non-stick pans

The image shows a small glass bowl filled with a creamy, pale yellow substance, which appears to be applesauce. The bowl is placed on a tiled surface with light pink tiles and white grout. The setting is simple and clean, with the focus on the bowl of applesauce. The overall presentation is neat, and the applesauce looks smooth and freshly made. The soft colors of the tiles complement the light color of the applesauce, creating a visually pleasing and appetizing scene.

Here's what you need to know about arsenic in baby food

The image depicts a school of fish swimming in the ocean. The fish are numerous and closely packed together, moving in a coordinated and fluid manner. The background is a deep blue, indicative of the depths of the ocean, with the light from above casting a subtle illumination on the fish, highlighting their sleek, shiny bodies. The fish appear to be small, possibly sardines or anchovies, and the overall scene conveys a sense of movement and harmony within the underwater environment.

Understanding the toxicity of local seafood

The image shows a kitchen countertop with several food storage containers. There are various types and sizes of containers, including two glass containers with white lids, and three plastic containers with colored lids—one with a blue lid and two with purple lids. In the background, there is a larger, semi-transparent plastic container with a teal handle on the lid. The countertop is a speckled brown granite, and there are wooden cabinets above it. The setting appears to be a well-organized kitchen, ready f

Food storage tips to reduce toxics exposure

Personal care

Safer beauty tips.

The image shows a bathroom sink area with a pump bottle of hand soap labeled "HAND SOAP" placed on the countertop. The soap bottle has a light blue label and appears to be a limited edition scent with ingredients like olive oil and aloe vera. Next to the soap bottle, there is a purple and clear nail brush, also resting on the countertop. The sink faucet is modern, with a curved design, and the overall setting looks clean and organized. The background is a light-colored wall, adding to the neat and tidy app

Antibacterial vs. regular soap: the bottom line

A group of purple bottles sitting on top of a table photo – Free Render Image on Unsplash

Tips for choosing safer cosmetics and personal care products

The image shows two air freshener spray cans on a shelf. The can on the left is from SC Johnson and is labeled "Apple Cinnamon," advertised as an odor-fighting spray for lasting freshness. The can on the right is a Febreze Unstopables AIR Fresh spray, marketed with "2X Scent Power." The Unstopables can has a black and blue design with water droplet graphics, indicating a fresh and powerful scent. Both products are positioned side by side, suggesting a variety of options for keeping indoor spaces smelling pl

What to know about synthetic fragrances

The Precautionary Principle 

San Francisco is the first US city to adopt the Precautionary Principle. Our toxics and health programs are based on some of the Precautionary Principle’s fundamental guidelines: it’s better to be safe than sorry; let’s prove something is safe rather than assume it’s harmless; and let’s be cautious when something may be harmful even if it isn’t proven yet. That’s why SF Environment is working to make every home safer. 

 

Contact us

Call the Department's Residential Toxics Reduction team at (415) 355-3757.

Related content

San Francisco Environment Department’s Healthy Homes Presentations

Two gloved hands applying blue nail polish on another set of hands.

Healthy Nail Salons

Power lines in a San Francisco neighborhood. Trees are to the right and a grey apartment building to the left.

Electrify your home