California Proposition 65

WARNING

Some 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 P65Warnings.ca.gov.

 

What is Proposition 65 ?

Proposition 65 obligates companies to inform Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. These chemicals can be found in the products Californians buy, in their homes or workplaces or released into the environment. By requiring this information, Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposure to these chemicals.

Proposition 65 also prohibits California companies from knowingly distributing significant amounts of listed chemicals into drinking water sources.

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.

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.