California's Proposition 65 Information
In November 1986, California voters approved a ballot initiative to address concerns about exposures to toxic chemicals. That initiative, The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is better known by its ballot identifier, Proposition 65.
What is Proposition 65 and what are the requirements?
In November 1986, California voters approved a ballot initiative to address concerns about exposures to toxic chemicals. That initiative, The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is better known by its ballot identifier, Proposition 65.
Proposition 65 requires the Governor of California to publish a list of chemicals that are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Hundreds of chemicals and materials, including many metals and plastics, have been listed as of 2016.
It also requires Manufacturers to provide a "clear and reasonable" warning before exposing anyone to a listed chemical. This warning can be given by a variety of means, such as by labeling a consumer product, by posting signs at the workplace, or by publishing notices in a newspaper. In addition, retailers are required to notify customers. For online retailers it is generally understood that notices on product pages or during the purchase process are sufficient notice.
What does a Proposition 65 warning mean?
Toolbarn sells many products which may require notice under California's California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 known as Proposition 65. Unfortunately many tools are not clearly labeled by their manufacturers to designate which, if any, specifically need notice. We are therefore choosing to notify our customers that we are specifically aware of some products which contain small amounts of lead or other substances, but there may be other products which are known to California to cause birth defects, reproductive issues or cancer. If you are unsure, please consult California's list of known materials (http://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list) and/or the part manufacturer for more information. We use the following warning:
Warning: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information: www.toolbarn.com/prop65
What kinds of materials are on the list?
The list contains a wide range of chemicals and materials, including many metals and plastics, dyes, solvents, and byproducts of certain processes. These chemicals may be synthetic or naturally occurring. Some of them are ingredients of common household products, others are specialty chemicals used in common industrial applications. We specifically know brass items will usually contain small amounts of lead as a hardening agent.
I want to know more about Proposition 65. Where can I find out more?
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, OEHHA, maintains a comprehensive website at http://www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65.html. This website explains the law and offers a list of all the chemicals and materials.
You can also telephone the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's Proposition 65 Implementation Office at (916) 445-6900.
