More than 80,000 chemicals are used in commerce today, and only a small fraction have been tested for effects on human health. There is growing evidence that environmental exposures to some chemicals contribute to cancer, asthma, reproductive disorders, and other health conditions.

To address these health concerns, we’ve integrated a robust set of purchasing standards into our product sourcing processes that include criteria for safe chemicals and sustainable waste disposal.

Safer products goal

By 2025, we will increase our purchase of products and materials meeting environmental standards to 50%.

Our current progress

• Eliminated triclosan and triclocarban from soaps, lotions, and sanitizers.
• Eliminated PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate) from IV solution bags.
• Prohibited the purchase of building products containing PVC in resilient flooring, carpet and carpet backing, cove bases, corner guards, wall protection, handrails and bumper guards, perimeter edging on tables, signage (vinyl lettering), and aboveground piping.
• Prohibited the purchase of fabric, furniture, finishes, and building materials containing fluorochemical additives or treatments.
• Prohibited the purchase of fabrics, furniture, and finishes containing added antimicrobial agents in all large projects.
• Prohibited the purchase of upholstered furniture containing chemical flame retardants.
• Received Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool Awards for excellence in the procurement of environmentally preferable electronic equipment for 4 consecutive years.
• Conducted studies that found that exposure to BPA (bisphenol A) could cause harm to human reproductive health and increase the risk of obesity in children.