California Prop 65 Warning

WARNING

Some of the products offered on this site may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

WHAT IS PROPOSITION 65?

Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. These chemicals can be in the products that Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. By requiring that this information be provided, Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals. Proposition 65 also prohibits California businesses from knowingly discharging significant amounts of listed chemicals into sources of drinking water. Proposition 65 became law in November 1986, when California voters approved it by a 63-37 percent margin. The official name of Proposition 65 is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. For additional information, please visit the Proposition 65 Warnings Website.

WHAT TYPES OF CHEMICALS ARE ON THE PROPOSITION 65 LIST?

The list contains a wide range of naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals that include additives or ingredients in pesticides, common household products, food, drugs, dyes, or solvents. Listed chemicals may also be used in manufacturing and construction, or they may be byproducts of chemical processes, such as motor vehicle exhaust. The list of chemicals has grown to include approximately 900 chemicals since it was first published in 1987, and continues to grow each year. Download the complete list of Prop 65 Chemicals here.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?

The good news is that this law has caused many manufacturers to alter or change the way they produce products, in hopes to make them safer for consumers. However, there are still many items used every day that contain these listed chemicals that cannot be altered. As such, it’s important for consumers to be made aware of the dangers and to take precautions when using these items to reduce or eliminate exposure. How you protect yourself largely depends on the product or place and the chemical you are trying to avoid.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON PROPOSITION 65?

If you have specific questions on the administration or implementation of Proposition 65, you can contact OEHHA’s Proposition 65 program at P65.Questions@oehha.ca.gov, or by phone at (916)445-6900. For enforcement information, contact the California Attorney General’s Office at (510) 622-2160, or visit https://oag.ca.gov/prop65.