What is Proposition 65
- June 4, 2024
- FAQs
Table of Contents
What is Proposition 65?****
Questions & Answers about Proposition 65
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 requires California to publish a list of chemicals known
to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This list, which must
be updated at least once a year, has grown to include approximately 900
chemicals since it was first published in 1987.
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.
What does a warning mean?
– If a warning is placed on a product label or posted or distributed at a workplace, a business, or in rental housing, the business issuing the warning is aware or believes that it is exposing individuals to one or more listed chemicals. By law, a warning must be given for listed chemicals unless the exposure is low enough to pose no significant risk of cancer or is significantly below levels observed to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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.
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