Toxic Free Kids
Related Topics
- Children's Environmental Health
- Contaminants of Emerging Concern
- Formaldehyde in Your Home
- Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Healthy Homes
- MDH Guidance
- Safe Drinking Water for Your Baby
Environmental Health Division
Contact Info
Toxic Free Kids Program
During the 2009 legislative session, the Toxic Free Kids Act (Minnesota Statutes, subsections 116.9401 – 116.9407) was passed and signed into law by the governor. This legislation requires the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to create two lists of chemicals: one list called “Chemicals of High Concern” and one called “Priority Chemicals.”
The Toxic Free Kids (TFK) program is housed in the Environmental Surveillance and Assessment Section within the Environmental Health Division and supports the MDH mission to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans.
TFK program responsibilities include:
- Identifying and communicating the potential for hazardous chemical exposure that could be harmful to human health, particularly children and pregnant people, who can be more vulnerable.
- Reviewing and updating the chemicals of high concern and priority chemical lists established by Minnesota statute.
- Nominating chemicals for development of health-based guidance values within other MDH programs, such as the Contaminants of Emerging Concern program; and supporting risk communication efforts.
MDH is required to review and revise the Chemicals of High Concern list at least every three years. The TFK program published the fifth update of the chemicals of high concern list in July 2025. The report, describing the update process as well as public education and partnership efforts, can be found on the Reports page. The sixth update of the chemicals of high concern list is scheduled for July 2028.
This page provides information about the two lists that MDH maintains, as well as links to other states doing similar work.
Announcements - Find announcements related to the Toxic Free Kids Program.
Chemicals of High Concern - A list of chemicals of high concern (CHCs).
Priority Chemicals - Chemicals of high concern designated as priority chemicals.
Reports - Reports detailing the Minnesota chemicals of high concern (CHC) list updates and Toxic Free Kids (TFK) program activities that are published every three years.
Educational Materials - Newly released educational materials related to the Toxic Free Kids program.
Contact us regarding chemicals of high concern and priority chemicals.
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