California Proposition 65 list of chemicals

California Proposition 65 List of Chemicals

The California Proposition 65 List of Chemicals is a comprehensive catalog of chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This list is a key component of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Proposition 65. The list is updated at least once a year and includes a wide range of naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals.

Background

Proposition 65 was enacted as a ballot initiative in November 1986. Its primary goal is to protect California's drinking water sources from being contaminated with chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals. The law requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Criteria for Listing

Chemicals are added to the Proposition 65 list based on the following criteria:

• Authoritative Bodies: Chemicals identified by authoritative bodies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are considered for listing.
• State's Qualified Experts: The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) consults with the state's qualified experts to evaluate scientific evidence and determine whether a chemical should be listed.
• Labor Code: Chemicals that meet certain criteria under California's Labor Code are also considered for listing.

Content of the List

The Proposition 65 list includes a wide variety of chemicals, such as:

• Industrial Chemicals: Used in manufacturing and construction, such as benzene and formaldehyde.
• Pesticides: Such as glyphosate and atrazine.
• Food Additives: Such as acrylamide, which can form in some foods during high-temperature cooking processes.
• Drugs: Certain pharmaceuticals that have been shown to cause cancer or reproductive harm.
• Dyes and Solvents: Used in various industrial applications.

Impact on Businesses

Businesses operating in California must comply with Proposition 65 by providing "clear and reasonable" warnings before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical. This requirement has led to the widespread use of warning labels on products and in places where exposure might occur.

Updates and Revisions

The Proposition 65 list is updated at least once a year. The OEHHA is responsible for maintaining and updating the list, which involves reviewing new scientific data and consulting with experts.

Criticisms and Controversies

Proposition 65 has faced criticism for leading to "over-warning," where the abundance of warnings may dilute their effectiveness. Some argue that the law imposes burdensome requirements on businesses, while others believe it is essential for public health protection.

Also see

• Proposition 65
• Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
• Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986
• Environmental Protection Agency
• International Agency for Research on Cancer