California Proposition 65

In 1986, California voters approved the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act known as Proposition 65. The purpose of Proposition 65 is to ensure that people are informed about exposure to chemicals known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and/or other reproductive harm. If you have reached this page from a link on a product display page, we are providing the following warning:WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

What are the requirements of Proposition 65?

Proposition 65 mandates that the Governor of California maintain and publish a list of chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects and/or other reproductive harm. The list, which must be updated annually, includes a wide variety of chemicals that can be found in dyes, solvents, drugs, food-additives, by-products of certain processes, pesticides and tobacco products. A company with ten or more employees that operates within the State of California (or sells products in California) must comply with the requirements of Proposition 65. To comply, businesses are: (1) prohibited from knowingly discharging listed chemicals into sources of drinking water; and (2) required to provide a "clear and reasonable" warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical.

What types of Chemicals are on the Proposition 65 list?

The list contains nearly 1,000 chemicals, and must be updated once a year. The list has a wide range of naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals that are known to cause cancer or birth defects or reproductive harm. These chemicals can be used in common manufacturing or construction practices, or may be byproducts of chemical processes, such as motor vehicle exhaust.

What product categories might include chemicals that that are covered under this warning?

There are many commonly used items that may contain listed chemicals subject to the State of California's Proposition 65 mandates. Some of the products that may require California Proposition 65 warning labels include: Products made with Fabric, Leather, Vinyl, Foam, Synthetic and Non-Woven Material, Glassware, Ceramics and Tableware, Batteries and/or Products that contain batteries, and Beauty Products (including first-aid kits and lotions).

Where can I find more information about Proposition 65?

For general information on the Proposition 65 list of chemicals, you may contact OEHHA's Proposition 65 program at 1-916-445-6900, or visit https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65. For enforcement information, contact the California Attorney General's Office at 1-510-622-2160, or visit https://oag.ca.gov/prop65