What is Proposition 65?
In 1986, California voters approved the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (known as “Proposition 65”). Proposition 65 is a "Right to Know" statute for its residents; its purpose is to make sure people are aware, before they purchase, that the product they come into contact with contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The statute requires a warning label even if the amount of the chemical is even below minimum. This list, which must be updated at least once a year, has grown to include approximately 900 chemicals since it was first published. The list, which is updated annually, includes a wide variety of chemicals that can be found in many consumer products such as kitchen utensils, footwear, handbags, exercise equipment, photo and scrapbook albums, luggage, and many other products (even foods and beverages). It also contains a wide range of naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals that include additives or ingredients in pesticides, common household products, food, drugs, dyes, or solvents. Listed chemicals may also be used in manufacturing and construction, or they may be byproducts of chemical processes, such as motor vehicle exhaust. All of these items are required to have a Proposition 65 label on them. For items bought and sold online, the website will also have this information regarding Proposition 65 listed on their sites. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) administers the Proposition 65 program.
What is this California Prop 65 Warning label about?
Whitehaus Collection® provides the warning label to comply with the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as “Proposition 65.” Many products sold in California are required by law to carry the label. The following is an example of the label that will be included on packaging for Whitehaus Collection® products:
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including [name one or more listed chemicals] which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
We are providing Proposition 65 warning labels to be in compliance and inform consumers that the product contains chemicals that may be on the State of California’s Proposition 65 list.
Even though a product may be found to contain a Proposition 65-listed chemical, it does not mean that use of the product will cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Nor does it mean that a product is unsafe. All Whitehaus Collection® products exceed the requirements of product performance and safety industry standards, as well as the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. We are confident there is no health hazard associated with the installation, use of Whitehaus Collection® products.
Whitehaus Collection® faucets are IAMPO, cUPC, low lead and/or lead free certified.
Why is there a California Prop 65 warning label on my product?
Whitehaus Collection® provides a warning label on their products to comply with the California State Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, commonly known as “Proposition 65”.
On August 30, 2016, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (“OEHHA”) adopted various changes to the warnings required by Proposition 65. Among other things, the new warning regulation rewrites the warning label text and format, including the mandatory use of a warning symbol and reference to an official OEHHA website, and mandatory internet and point-of-sale warnings. The new requirements take effect on August 30, 2018. All Products sold in California are required by law to carry this label. This warning can be given in several ways, such as by labeling a consumer product, posting signs at the workplace, distributing notices at a rental housing complex, or publishing notices in a newspaper. The requirement to provide warnings takes effect one year after a chemical is added to the list. For the first time, specific rules govern warnings for internet sales.
We at Whitehaus Collection® meet or exceed the requirements of product performance and safety industry standards, as well as the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The label simply ensures that Whitehaus Collection® is in compliance with the State of California’s Prop 65 law for warning label requirements.
I don’t live in California, so why is a State of California Proposition 65 label included on my product?
Whitehaus Collection sells products nationwide. Because of that, labeling would prove to be very difficult to determine which products will be ultimately be sold or brought into California. With that in mind, Whitehaus Collection® decided that all applicable products will be marked with the warning label, regardless of where they might be purchased or sold. This ensures compliance with the State of California’s Proposition 65.
Where can I find out more information about Proposition 65?
The state of California provides Proposition 65 information on their OEHHA website
here
