You might’ve just got a product online or bought something in a store and found a sticker on the box or object itself saying, “This product may contain a chemical known to the state of California to cause Cancer, or Birth defects or other reproductive harm.” What does that mean, and why is it there? Why is it only for California?

In 1986, California passed proposition 65, which is also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act. This law requires the state of California to list chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. The list has grown to around 900 chemicals since it was first put into law. Some of these chemicals include asbestos, chloroform, ethanol in beverages, formaldehyde gas, and lead.

In the late 80’s, when the act was passed, the drinking water in bigger California cities was very poor. The drinking water of California was the main reason the Act was passed. There was also a large concern for toxic chemicals in the air or in products or in products manufactured in the state of California. 

There is little to no reason to worry about proposition 65. The warning is placed by the manufacturer for an abundance of caution or if the product contains a larger or normal amount of one of the listed chemicals. The state of Arkansas is not required to list the warnings on product labels.

If questions or concerns arise about a specific product, consumers can visit the proposition 65 website at www.p65warnings.ca.gov/.