Proposition 65

California: Proposition 65

Updated rules about product warning labels take effect August 30

The deadline for businesses to comply with the latest Proposition 65 labeling and identification requirements is just around the corner, and MiniScience is making preparations.

California Proposition 65

In 1986, California voters approved an initiative to address their growing concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals. The legislation ensures that people are informed about exposure to chemicals known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and/or other reproductive harm. Commonly referred to as Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires businesses to notify Californians about significant amounts of chemicals contained in the products they buy, located in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. This allows them to make informed decisions about protecting themselves from exposure to these chemicals.

What requirements does Proposition 65 place on companies doing business in California?

Businesses are required to provide a "clear and reasonable" warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical. This warning includes labeling a consumer product, posting signs at the workplace, distributing notices at a rental housing complex, or publishing notices in a newspaper. Once a chemical is listed, businesses have 12 months to comply with warning requirements.

California Proposition 65 List

Updated annually, the list contains a wide range of naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. These chemicals include additives or ingredients in pesticides, common household products, 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.

Many of the elements listed under Proposition 65 are commonly found in many products in the electronics industry. Lead is listed, and can be found in solder on circuit boards, cables, or other electronic assemblies. Bisphenol A (BPSA) is on the list and can be found in plastic housings, lenses, labels and adhesives. The PVC wire coatings on cables, housings, carrying cases, and power cords can contain DEHP (phthalates), also on the list.

More information is available at the Proposition 65 website.

Here is the Proposition 65 chemical list: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/chemicals

Companies selling products in California that contain any listed chemicals must present the following warning:

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

This warning applies to any product that links to this page. MiniScience cares about the health and safety of its customers. We are providing information below to help you make informed decisions about the products you purchase.