California Proposition 65

About California Proposition 65

California Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a state law designed to protect Californians from exposure to chemicals recognized by the state as causing cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The law requires businesses to provide clear warnings to consumers if their products or activities might expose individuals to these listed chemicals above certain risk levels[1][2][3].

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is responsible for administering Proposition 65. OEHHA maintains and regularly updates the official list of chemicals covered by the law, which now includes over 900 substances found in a wide range of products and environments[1][2]. Proposition 65 applies to all retail, mail order, and internet sales to California consumers, and it covers both naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals in consumer goods, food, and industrial products[1][2].

In August 2016, OEHHA adopted new regulations that took effect on August 30, 2018. These regulations updated the requirements for Proposition 65 warnings, specifying the appearance, content, and delivery of warning labels. Key changes included the requirement for a bold "WARNING" label, a yellow triangular pictogram, and the identification of at least one specific chemical present in the product. The warning must also direct consumers to the official Proposition 65 website for more information[4]. Businesses can use a short-form warning on product packaging, but it must still meet specific formatting and content requirements[4][5].

The intent of Proposition 65 is to help California consumers make informed decisions about their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, encouraging businesses to either reformulate products to remove these substances or provide clear warnings when exposure is possible[1][2][3].

Sources
[1] California Proposition 65 Toxic Enforcement Act - Ultimate Direction https://ultimatedirection.com/california-proposition-65-toxic-enforcement-act-consumer-guide-faq-for-california-residents/
[2] What is California Prop 65? - Resource Center https://blog.sourceintelligence.com/what-is-california-proposition-65
[3] 1986 California Proposition 65 - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_California_Proposition_65
[4] The New 2018 Prop 65 Requirements: What You Need To Know https://ipcol.com/blog/untangling-the-new-2018-prop-65-requirements-what-you-need-to-know/
[5] Prop 65 Update: Big Changes to the… - Kelley Drye & Warren LLP https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/kelley-green-law/prop-65-update-big-changes-to-the-short-form-and-internet-warnings
[6] About Proposition 65 - OEHHA - CA.gov https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/about-proposition-65
[7] Proposition 65 - OEHHA - CA.gov https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65
[8] A Brief Overview of Prop 65 Compliance – Eurofins Softlines & Leather https://www.eurofins.com/textile-leather/articles/a-brief-overview-of-prop-65-compliance/
[9] California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 ... https://cool.culturalheritage.org/waac/wn/wn10/wn10-2/wn10-203.html
[10] Six Chemicals Added to California Proposition 65 Substances List https://www.greensofttech.com/six-chemicals-added-to-california-proposition-65-substances-list/