WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is proposing to restrict manufacturers from selling cleaning products containing hydrofluoric acid in California. Hydrofluoric acid is used in some cleaning products and poses significant health threats, some of which could result in death. Critically, there are safe alternatives already in stores that can be used instead of hydrofluoric acid.
SACRAMENTO – To protect Californians at home, DTSC’s Safer Consumer Products Program has proposed a rule to restrict manufacturers from selling cleaning products containing hydrofluoric acid across the state. The proposed ban is the first by DTSC utilizing new authority to allow the department to act faster to protect Californians from dangerous products.
Exposure to hydrofluoric acid can lead to severe acute toxicity, permanent injuries, and even death. Removing hydrofluoric acid from cleaning products will reduce these risks at home. Critically, safe alternatives to hydrofluoric acid in cleaning products already exist.
“More than 700 cases of hydrofluoric acid exposure have been documented in California, including incidents involving children age 12 or younger. Many of these cases resulted in severe injuries, including burns, and even fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for stronger protection. DTSC’s proposed ban reflects California’s unwavering commitment to accelerate regulatory action to eliminate serious hazards.”
DTSC Director Katherine Butler
Additional information, including background on hydrofluoric acid in cleaning products and the full text of the proposed regulation, is available on DTSC’s website. This rulemaking would not impact retailers’ existing inventory.
The public comment period for the proposed regulation is now open and will close July 20, 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments through CalSAFER.
FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES: Contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control to report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste, or other environmental concerns using the CalEPA Environmental Complaint Systemopens in a new window.
DTSC’s Mission is to protect California’s people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products.
Original article online at: https://dtsc.ca.gov/2026/06/08/california-proposes-ban-on-hydrofluoric-acid-in-cleaning-products-to-protect-consumers/