What is Proposition 65?

In 1986, California voters approved Proposition 65, an initiative to address their growing concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals.  That initiative is officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.  The law requires California to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, and for businesses with 10 or more employees to provide warnings when they knowingly and intentionally cause significant exposures to listed chemicals.

This list currently includes more than 900 chemicals. Proposition 65 does not ban or restrict the sale of chemicals on the list.  The warnings are intended to help Californians make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals from the products they use and the places they go.

How many chemicals are included under Prop 65?

As of March 8, 2019, more than 800 chemicals and materials have been listed under Prop 65 warning. Prop 65 warning can be found on many items and locations including: Alcoholic beverages, food, prescription drugs, dental care, wood dust, furniture products, diesel engines, vehicles, and recreational vessel, Enclosed parking facilities, amusement parks, petroleum products, service stations and vehicle repair facilities, designated smoking areas, and hotels

Does a Prop 65 warning equal unsafe?

1. Prop 65 Warnings are required for even tiny levels of these natural substances - sometimes a 1000 times less than the minimum safe dose established by health authorities. A Prop 65 warning does not automatically mean that the product is unsafe. Prop 65 is for drinking water.

        WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm

How can I get more information?

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, OEHHA, maintains a comprehensive website at https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65, which explains the law and offers a list of all the chemicals and materials.