Our Work
man with glasses holding baby on shoulders and toddler in arms outside
Everyone deserves to live, work, and worship in healthy environments. OEC envisions a future in which every Oregonian can flourish regardless of their race, income, or background. That’s why we work with lawmakers, agencies, scientists, and health experts to phase out harmful toxic chemicals and plastics in consumer products – especially products marketed to vulnerable groups, like pregnant people and kids. We advance innovative, science-based policies that recognize the links between human health and the environment. We partner with industry leaders and businesses to create a strong green economy. We work alongside activists and labor coalitions to protect frontline workers from climate change threats like extreme heat and smoke. We collaborate with community organizations on green-cleaning workshops. Our work gives people the information they need to protect the environment and their health, affordably.

Explore OEC's latest toxics work: 2025 PFAS Phase Out Legislation

Eliminating Toxic PFAS and Plastics
black yellow and white jacket slightly unzipped with rain drops on it
Some chemical threats are so prevalent they are found in almost every American’s body and blood. Harmful per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS are an example. These man-made “forever chemicals” do not break down in the environment. PFAS build up in our bodies and are found in the blood of 97% of Americans. PFAS have now been linked to a wide range of health risks, including cancer. Similarly, microplastics – nano-sized toxic particles of plastic – have been found in the blood of 80% of people tested. Because of these contaminants , OEC passed policies to require the phaseout of PFAS in children’s products, cosmetics and foodware. We have also called upon outdoor retailers to remove PFAS from their clothing, and helped pass SB 543, a law banning polystyrene (aka ‘styrofoam’) foodware.
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Toxic-Free Kids Products
baby sitting on a blanket surrounded by toys, including stuffed animals, plastic figurines, books and puzzle pieces
Children are far more vulnerable to toxic chemicals than adults. Yet chemicals proven to harm health – like lead, arsenic and mercury – are found in thousands of kid’s products. Children from lower-wealth communities are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of toxic chemicals and external pollution. It is unacceptable. That’s why we fought tirelessly to pass the Toxic Free Kids act, and have worked to keep it up to date with current science ever since.
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Sustainable Materials Management
pile of cellphones, including some older models as well as newer touchscreen devices
OEC has advocated for sustainability since 1971, when we helped enact one of the nation's first bottle recycling bills. Our use of everyday products must continue to evolve in ways that cut down on waste. We need policies that preserve ecosystems, protect human health, and reduce climate pollution. To achieve this goal, OEC has helped pass recent laws to reduce harmful and toxic materials in our landfills, increase the collection of recyclable materials, and eliminate single-use waste.
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Toxic-Free Cosmetics
woman applying makeup to face in front of mirror
Cosmetics and personal care products are largely unregulated federally. The result? Harmful chemicals are being absorbed directly through our skin, washing down our drains and into our waterways. Safer alternatives are now more available (and affordable) because of innovations in green chemistry, and higher consumer demand and business investment. To build on this, we helped pass the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act. This law bans the worst carcinogens and chemical classes from these products.
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Healthy Homes and Workplaces
two smiling men in grey shirts holding a basket of fruit in a farm with rows of agriculture behind them
The places where we live and work should shield us from the most harmful impacts of climate change and environmental health threats. With the signing of Governor Brown’s Oregon Climate Action Plan, OEC took action to keep Oregon workers safe from threats like wildfire smoke and excessive heat. Working with coalition partners, we passed the toughest rules nationwide on heat and smoke. In addition to passing policies that protect our health, OEC empowers individuals to reduce toxic chemicals in their homes, and in their daily cleaning routines. We offer educational resources and team up with community-based organizations to host workshops on non-toxic cleaning.
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Protecting Air Quality
sun rays coming through the trees in a lush forest with greenery on the ground and a dirt trail running through
Every Oregonian has the right to breathe healthy air. Despite our state’s reputation for lush forests, many parts of Oregon suffer from air pollution caused by black carbon, diesel, wildfires, and woodburning. People living in Multnomah County, home to almost half of Oregon’s population, face a higher risk of cancer from air pollution compared to anywhere else in the state. Ensuring clean and healthy outdoor air means taking action – like reducing diesel emissions in  transportation, transitioning to clean heating options, holding polluters accountable, and implementing measures to control pollution.
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