We know that some customers are concerned about the Prop 65 warning listed on our products. So instead of leaving it as a mystery, let’s talk about what is the Prop 65 warning and why it is listed on our products.
What is Proposition 65?
In November 1986, California voters approved a ballot initiative to address concerns about toxic chemicals exposure. That initiative became the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, better known by its original name, Proposition 65 or simply, Prop 65.
New regulations affecting Proposition 65 were adopted in August 2016 and have been fully effected since August 2018. Changes to the law impose additional requirements for products sold in California, including:
- 1. Point of sale warning requirements.
- 2. The specific identification in the warning language of at least one chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm used in a given product.
How many chemicals are included under Prop 65?
This list was first published in 1987 and has been kept updated at least once a year. It now includes over 900 chemicals. Prop 65 warnings are seen throughout California in a wide range of settings and on various consumer products that we use every day, including coffee, furniture, automobile upholstery, wall coverings, housewares, automotive parts, and so on. Even Starbucks and Disneyland Resort in California must have Prop 65 warnings. The complete Proposition 65 List is available at https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list.
Does a Prop 65 warning equal unsafe?
No. Prop 65 is far more stringent than FDA and EU standards. Prop 65 Warnings are required for even tiny levels of these natural substances - sometimes a 1000 times less than the minimum safe dose established by health authorities. A Prop 65 warning does not automatically mean that the product is unsafe.
Why is Prop 65 listed under our products?
The UV light bulb contains tiny amounts of mercury, and mercury is required to have a Prop 65 warning by the State of California because they can cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Although the UV light bulb contains mercury, no chemicals will leach into the water. Besides, all water-contacting parts are made of BPA-free (Bisphenol A) materials.
How can I get more information?
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, OEHHA, maintains a comprehensive website at https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65, which explains the law and offers a list of all the chemicals and materials.
You can call the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's Proposition 65 Implementation Office at (916) 445-6900 or send an email to P65.Questions@oehha.ca.gov.