Proposition 65 Warning Labels

California Proposition 65 Warning

Attention California Residents: If you have reached this page from a link on a product page, we are providing the following required warning:

⚠️ WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm — www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

What Is Proposition 65?

In 1986, California voters approved the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, known as Proposition 65. The purpose of Proposition 65 is to ensure that people are informed about exposure to chemicals known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and/or other reproductive harm.

What Are the Requirements of Proposition 65?

Proposition 65 mandates that the Governor of California maintain and publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, and/or other reproductive harm. The list is updated annually and includes a wide variety of chemicals such as:

  • Lead
  • BPA (Bisphenol A)
  • DEHP
  • Formaldehyde
  • Cadmium

These chemicals can be found in dyes, solvents, drugs, food additives, byproducts of certain processes, pesticides, and tobacco products.

Any company with ten or more employees that operates within California or sells products in California must comply with Proposition 65 by:

  • Not knowingly discharging listed chemicals into sources of drinking water
  • Providing a "clear and reasonable" warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical

What Types of Chemicals Are on the Proposition 65 List?

The list contains nearly 1,000 chemicals and is updated once a year. It includes naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. These chemicals may be used in common manufacturing or construction practices, or may be byproducts of chemical processes such as motor vehicle exhaust.

Which Product Categories May Require This Warning?

Many commonly used items may contain listed chemicals subject to Proposition 65. Products that may require California Proposition 65 warning labels include items made with:

  • Wood, Fabric, Leather, Vinyl, or Foam
  • Synthetic and Non-Woven Materials
  • Glassware, Metal, Ceramics, and Tableware
  • Batteries and/or products that contain batteries

Where Can I Find More Information About Proposition 65?

Related Resources