California Plans stricter Controls on Hydrofluoric Acid in Cleaning Products
California has announced plans to introduce tougher measures targeting cleaning agents that use hydrofluoric acid (HF), reflecting growing concerns over its health dangers.These upcoming regulations come under the state’s existing safer consumer product framework. products currently in stock will remain unaffected, as suppliers already have access to safer substitutes. Simultaneously occurring, stricter rules for nail items containing triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) above 250 parts per million (ppm) have been set, becoming mandatory on October 1, 2026.
Upcoming changes for Hydrofluoric Acid in Cleaners
The state has launched a formal process to limit the sale and supply of cleaning solutions featuring hydrofluoric acid (HF). This step comes after officials flagged the chemical’s extreme toxicity and risk of severe burns and poisoning.
This action falls under established consumer safety rules. In a departure from normal procedure, regulators propose skipping the Alternatives Analysis phase and proceeding straight to a ban on manufacturing and sales.
Hazardous Effects of Hydrofluoric Acid
Hydrofluoric acid, or hydrogen fluoride, poses a grave threat to health. Breathing in the vapors, allowing skin or eyes to touch the substance, or swallowing it can result in permanent damage or fatality.
Historically, HF has been used in products for removing tough stains, rust, and for heavy-duty industrial cleaning. Although many companies have switched to less dangerous ingredients, some HF-based cleaners are still available, placing consumers and workers at risk.
While professional worksites usually follow strict safety standards, grave risks remain for self-employed people and anyone cleaning at home with HF-based products.
Just one accidental exposure can have lasting health effects. Families with children are especially vulnerable if these products are stored at home.
Details of the regulatory Proposal
Under the authority of Health and Safety Code section 25253, subdivision (d) (established by SB 502 of 2022), California would, for the first time, allow officials to forgo the usual Alternatives Analysis.Instead, sales of HF-containing cleaners would be directly prohibited.
Regulators cite three main justifications for this accelerated tactic: alternatives to HF are already on the market, extensive data about HF’s hazards is available, and the risks it poses are widely recognized.
If signed into law, these rules will require manufacturers to halt sales of the affected products to California retailers. Should a manufacturer fail to comply, liability may transfer to importers, assemblers, or retailers following notification. The measure is anticipated to take effect in the latter half of 2027.
Products already on store shelves or in distribution as of the effective date will not be subject to the ban.
New Regulations for Nail Products with TPhP
California has finalized regulations affecting nail products with triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) over 250 ppm.Manufacturers must submit a Priority Product Notification (PPN) by November 30, 2026. This submission identifies products with regulated chemicals and requires an clarification of why tphp is used, or details on how it will be replaced or eliminated.
Following the PPN, manufacturers need to provide additional documentation by March 30, 2027. By then, each business must confirm if TPhP will be removed, if the product itself will be withdrawn, or if a Preliminary Alternatives Analysis report will be supplied.
TPhP is commonly used as a plasticizer in nail coatings to improve resilience. Research links the chemical to health risks that affect not only the general population but especially those in frequent contact, including nail salon staff, women, infants, children, and groups facing higher health disparities.
